Villarreal Women get an important point at home to Sporting de Huelva as they look to confirm their place in the top flight next season
Villarreal Women got a crucial point against Sporting Club de Huelva (1-1). Sara Monforte’s side have taken another step towards safety, which is just six points away with three games left. The Yellows need to continue fighting, which is getting closer and closer after their excellent second half of the season.
There was a lot of respect between both sides at the start of the game. Both Villarreal and Sporting de Huelva knew there was a lot up for grabs at the Mini Estadi. A win would see them virtually safe with three games left.
A weak shot by Keane, which went off target halfway through the opening half, looked like it would be the only goalscoring chance before half-time, before Belén, just before the break, put pressure on the opposition goalkeeper, won the ball off her, and scored easily to put Villarreal ahead.
The second half also lacked many clear chances. The Yellows looked comfortable with their lead, until 15 minutes from the end, when Sporting de Huelva scored through Mayra. The Andalusian team’s striker blocked a clearance in defence and the ball ended up in the back of the net. A real shame.
Despite the shock of the opposition goal, Monforte’s side looked for the winner. In the 85th minute, Estefa Lima could have got it, but her powerful effort from the edge of the box was saved brilliantly by Chelsea. She was set up by Salma Paralluelo, who after a great run down the left, laid it off for her team-mate, who just arrived in the box.
Both teams ended up with a share of the points at the Mini Estadi, to stay on 25 points, six away from securing safety. Monforte’s side are getting closer to their aim each day.
Lineups:
Villarreal Women:: Elena de Toro; Nerea (Olivia, m. 81), Y. Giménez, Lara Mata, F. Lara; Estefa, Soldevila, Ainoa, Belén; Sheila (Cienfu, m. 70), Paralluelo.
Sporting de Huelva: Chelsea; Patri Ojeda, Ana Carol, Cinta Costa, Pau (Kanteh, m. 57); S. Castelló, Fish, Edgren (Chini, m. 57), M. Ramírez; Anita Marcos, Keane (Judith, m. 72).
Goals: 1-0. Min. 42: Belén. 1-1. Min. 75: Mayra.
Referee: Arantza Gallastegui.
Matchday information: Match between Villarreal Women and Sporting Club de Huelva, corresponding to Primera Iberdola Matchday 27, at the Mini Estadi at the Miralcamp Training Ground.
