Villarreal Women have secured their place in the top flight next season after drawing against SD Eibar with a late Sheila goal
Villarreal Women made history today. Sara Monforte’s side have mathematically confirmed their place in next season’s Primera Iberdrola after drawing (1-1) with SD Eibar, the team who are currently in the last place of the relegation zone. The Yellows will stay in the top flight for another season thanks to Sheila Guijarro’s goal late on.
In the opening stages, the game saw both teams try and push forward, without really being able to create real danger in either box. Just before the halfway stage, a poor clearance by the Yellows in defence saw the home side win the ball back in the final third, and Kundananji, who had already gone close earlier, found herself free between the centre-backs to beat Elena de Toro.
Just before half-time, Villarreal had the two best chances of the first half. Sheila could have scored the opener, but her shot when just wide. Salma Paralluelo then hit the woodwork when it looked like her effort was going in.
In the second half, with the home side ahead, the game became a struggle. The Yellows were unable to find much space, but Monforte made small changes to get back into it. In the 84th minute, a counter-attack ended with a cross from Paralluelo, and Sheila, from the middle of the box, levelled the tie.
The referee added five minutes on at the end, but Villarreal Women dug in to stay up and continue in the top flight for another season.
Lineups:
SD Eibar: Noelia García; Carla, Elba, Matlou, Ruth Álvarez; Gantxegi, Aida Esteve; N. R. Muth, Arene, Yonei; Kundananji.
Villarreal Femenino: Elena de Toro; Nerea, Lara Mata, Y. Giménez, F. Lara; Estefa (m. 81, Pinel S.), Soldevila, Cienfu (m. 69, Olivia), Belén (m. 69, Bea Prades); Paralluelo, Sheila (m. 88, Ainoa).
Goals: 1-0. Min. 28: Kundananji. 1-1. Min. 88: Sheila.
Booked: N.R. Muth (SD Eibar), Cienfu (Villarreal).
Stadium: Unbe Inferior.
