The Yellows beat the Andalusian side in a very emotional match in which Claudia Iglesias scored the winning goal
A hard-earned and emotional victory. Sara Monforte’s side were able to overcome Granada CF’s opening goal to pull off an epic comeback with a header from Kayla McKenna and a powerful shot from Claudia Iglesias, who dedicated the goal and the victory to her grandfather who recently passed away.
In the first half, both sides came out with a bit of fear and showing some uncertainty in the game due to the importance of the match. In the eighth minute, Granada CF threatened with a long-range shot from Suárez, taking advantage of Carmen Carbonell’s advanced position, but the ball went wide. The next dangerous chance fell to the Yellows. It was Ainoa Campo who tried her luck, but was not rewarded. The situation was further complicated for Villarreal Women by the injury to Cristina Cubedo in the 30th minute of the game. Even so, the visitors fought tooth and nail to keep a clean sheet until half-time (0-0).
In the second half, the first blow came from the hosts. In the 54th minute, Ari Mingueza beat the goalkeeper. However, Sara Monforte’s team didn’t give up, they knew how to get back on their feet and overcome the adversity, and in what a way! First, Nerea Pérez crossed the ball for Kayla McKenna to equalise with a great header (1-1, m.59). Shortly after, the Jamaican striker provided the assist for Claudia Iglesias to score a great goal to bring the game back to level (1-2, m.68), dedicating it to her grandfather who had recently passed away and giving Villarreal a great victory.
Villarreal Women’s next match will be on Saturday 25th November, at 12pm CET, against Costa Adeje Tenerife at the Mini Estadi at the José Manuel Llaneza Training Ground.
Line-ups:
Granada CF: Sandra; Postigo, Lucía, Marta C. (Naima, m. 78), A. Mingueza (Natalia, m. 66); Alba P. (Ornella, m. 86), Esther; L. Pérez (Edna, m. 66), Alicia, Lauri; C. Suárez.
Villarreal Women: C. Carbonell; Lucía G., Giménez, C. Cubedo (Queralt, m. 31), Raquel; Soldevila, Claudia I., Ainoa (Virginia, m. 86); Kanteh (María, m. 86), Tere (Nerea, m. 45), McKenna (Lucía R., m. 71).
Goals: 1-0. Min. 52: Ari Mingueza. 1-1. Min. 59: Kayla McKenna. 1-2. Min. 68: Claudia Iglesias.
Referee: Elisabeth Calvo Valentín. Booked: Postigo, Lauri (Granada CF), Giménez, Kanteh (Villarreal CF).
Matchday information: Match corresponding to Liga F Matchday 9 at the Granada CF Training Ground.
