Villarreal Women draw against Atletico Atletico and will fight to stay up on the final day of the season
Just seconds away from achieving their objective, but with a golden opportunity to secure survival on the final day of the season. Villarreal Women drew against Atlético de Madrid (1-1) in a thrilling match in which Kanteh scored for the Yellows in the 42nd minute and Ajibade equalised in added time (m.94).
The stakes were clear. The Yellows would secure their coveted survival in the top flight if they could get a better result than the bottom two teams in their respective matches (Alhama and Alavés). All in a unified schedule. Heart-stopping. Villarreal scored first with a goal from Kanteh, and in the 70th minute their respective direct rivals also equalised. Villarreal Women were mathematically saved for more than 20 minutes, but Ajibade’s late goal in the 94th minute means they will have to fight until the last game.
Sara Monforte opted for a more solid defence with Giménez on the right flank, giving Nerea more freedom on that flank. Up front, Kanteh and Sheila were responsible for creating the most danger in front of goal.
The game started with a scare. A counter-attack ended up at the feet of Lucía Moral, who shot powerfully but was met with a great save by Carmen Carbonell.
Little by little, Villarreal began to create chances, especially taking advantage of Fatou Kanteh’s speed on the right flank. It was the Villarreal No.1′ who had the honour of opening the scoring with a right-footed shot into the net after turning around after controlling in the box (1-0, m. 42).
In the second half, and knowing the results of the direct rivals to avoid relegation, the game became a sea of nerves. In the 80th minute, a cross from Atlético ended up hitting the crossbar and when it seemed that the scoreboard would not move and the party would be complete for the Yellows, the bitter moment arrived. A corner kick from the visitors was headed home by Ajibade in the 94th minute as the game drew to a close.
Villarreal Women now need at least a point from their visit to Athletic Club to secure survival on the final matchday, as Alhama and Alavés face each other and are two points behind the Yellows with the head-to-head record in favour of Sara Monforte’s side. Continue fighting, Villarreal!
Lineups:
Villarreal Women: C. Carbonell; Giménez (Belén, m. 79), Lara Mata, C. Cubedo, Albeta; Nerea, Soldevila, Cienfu, M. Llompart (Pancha Lara, m. 72); Kanteh (Claudia, m. 84), Sheila (Tere, m. 79).
Atlético de Madrid Women: L. Gallardo; Moraza, Cinta, Menayo, Medina (Ajibade, m. 63); Irene, Maitane, Bonini; Bárbara (Staskova, m. 70), Lucía Moral, Eva Navarro (Cardona, m. 63).
Goals: 1-0. Min. 42: Kanteh. 1-1. Min. 90+4: Ajibade.
Referee: Peláez Arnillas. Booked: Soldevila, Giménez, Lara Mata, Kanteh (Villarreal Women).
Matchay information: Match corresponding to Gameweek 29 of the 2022/23 Finetwork Liga F season at the MinI Estadi at the José Manuel Llanea Training Ground. Attendance: 950.
