The Yellows went into half-time ahead thanks to a fantastic Paralluelo goal, but were overcome in the second half (6-1)
Villarreal Women lost against the league and European champions in a match that looked like it could cause an upset at half-time. The Yellows went into the break winning 0-1 thanks to an incredible Salma Paralluelo goal. In the second half, Barcelona completed their comeback (6-1).
The first chance went to Barça. Aitana hit the post just a few seconds into the match.
The Yellows shocked the home crowd in the 11th minute. Paralluelo got free from two opponents with a Cruyff turn and then fired in a long-range right-footed effort that flew into the top corner. It was the teenager’s first goal in the top flight of women’s football in Spain, and what a goal!
Paralluelo’s goal gave the Yellows confidence, and they could have increased their lead with a great chance that fell to Estefa Lima, but the effort was just off target. Belén Martínez also had a great chance in a counter-attack after Paralluelo won the ball back, but a the Yellows No.19 couldn’t capitalise on her one-on-one against Gemma.
Barça, of course, also had their chances in the first half. The first one was a header from close range from Crnogorcevic, which was saved spectacularly for Elena de Toro.
The start of the second half saw the home side show their credentials, with two Claudia Pina goals, in the 46th and 47th minute, turning things around.
From then on, the Barça barrage was unstoppable. Crnogorcevic, Claudia Pina once more, Engen and Graham (from the penalty spot) all scored.
Sara Monforte’s side are (with the rest of the games from this weekend still to be played) eight points from safety, with four games left. Next up for them, after the international break, is a crucial match on 17th April at the Mini Estadi against Sporting de Huelva, one of their direct opponents in the fight for safety.
Lineups:
Barcelona Women: Gemma; Paredes (María Pérez, m. 73), Melanie (Claudia Pina, m.46), Graham (Ona, m. 73), Marta, Alexia (Hermoso, m. 66), Aitana, Leila, A. Pereira (Mapi León, m. 46), Crnogorcevic, Engen.
Villarreal Women: Elena de Toro; Olivia, Lara Mata, Y. Giménez, Pancha Lara; Estefa (Sara Medina, m. 81), Bea Prades (Ainoa, m. 61), Cienfu (Zaïra, m. 72), Soldevila, Belén (Nerea, m. 72); Salma Paralluelo (Raquel Pinel, m. 81).
Goals: 0-1. Min. 11: Salma Paralluelo. 1-1. Min. 47: Claudia Pina. 2-1. Min. 49: Claudia Pina. 3-1. Min. 60: Crnogorcevic. 4-1. Min. 62: Claudia Pina. 5-1. Min. 65: Engen. 6-1. Min. 72: Graham (penalty9.
Referee: Raquel Suárez. Booked: Paredes (Barcelona).
Stadium: Johan Cruyff.
