Jordi Ferriols’ team stayed up with a last-gasp goal from Claudia Enseñat
Villarreal Women knew that it was not going to be easy for them to seal survival, but they never gave up hope at any time and managed to secure their coveted objective with a goal from Claudia Enseñat in stoppage time (2-3). The other goals for the Yellows, both in the first half, were scored by Alexia Jr. and Nerea.
In the first half, Villarreal Women dominated the first half hour of play, enjoying a number of chances to score. In fact, the first threat came in the thurd minute with a header from Alexia Jr, but the ball was kept out. Just a few minutes later, it was Alexia Jr. herself who scored the first goal (0-1, min. 12). Nerea Pérez scored the second goal (0-2, min. 27), who slotted the ball into the top corner after a great assist from Lucía Gómez.
Just before the break, a defensive blunder by the Yellows allowed CD Alba Fundación to pull one back through San Nicolás (1-2).
After the break, the Albacete side came out very intense, putting Villarreal in more than one trouble. In fact, goalkeeper Montse Quesada had to intervene on a couple of occasions to keep the scoreboard ticking over. In the 62nd minute she could do nothing about Marta’s shot (2-2).
Things were getting very difficult for the Yellows who, at that moment, were down due to Atlético Baleares winning against Sporting Club de Huelva. However, hope did not disappear at any time. In fact, Cienfu had a great chance with a long-range shot.
The final burst of joy came with Claudia Enseñat’s goal in the 90th minute to seal Villarreal Women’s survival.
Line-ups:
CD Alba Fundación: Pau S.; Teruel (Ortega, m. 46), Moreira, Celia, M.T. (Mireya, m. 60); Leire, Marta P. (Nata, m. 90’+2), Irene (Celia Gómez, m. 60), San Nicolás; Paula M., Riu (Marina, m. 60).
Villarreal Women: M. Quesada; Nerea, I. Miguélez, Lena Pérez, Riquelme J. (Querol, m. 79); Lucía G. (Vicky, m. 79), Cienfu, María, Lauris; Alexia Jr (Szymanowski, m. 51) y Elena Gil (C. Enseñat, m. 65).
Goals: 0-1. Min. 11: Alexia Jr. 0-2. Min. 27: Nerea. 1-2. Min. 36: San Nicolás. 2-2. Min. 61: Marta. 2-3. Min. 90: C. Enseñat.
Referee: Sara Fernández Ceferino. Booked: Celia Fernández, Mireya García (CD Alba Fundación); Cienfu (Villarreal).
Matchday information: Match played at the Andrés Iniesta Training Ground, corresponding to Matchday 26 of the Primera Federación season.
