Villarreal Women defeat Osasuna in the first leg of the promotion play-off semi-finals to Liga F
Villarreal Women claimed the first leg of the promotion play-off semi-finals to Liga F against Osasuna (1-2) thanks to goals from Lauris and María Romero. The Yellows delivered a very solid performance, especially defensively, and showed resilience to take an advantage into the return leg at the José Manuel Llaneza Training Ground (Sunday, 8pm).
The Navarrese side started the match with intensity and threatened early. In fact, in the third minute Marina Pérez registered the first dangerous effort, although Montse Quesada stood firm between the posts. Gradually, the Yellows grew into the game and in the 17th minute Cienfu tried her luck with a long-range effort that flew just over the crossbar.
The match then entered a more even phase. For the home side, Riu and Laura Teruel created several attacks, all thwarted by the reliability of Montse Quesada. And when it looked as though the game would reach the break goalless, Lauris struck. The Salamanca-born forward surged down the left flank, collected the rebound from her own effort and fired the ball into the net to give Villarreal Women the lead (0-1, 45th minute).
After the interval, Jordi Ferriols’ side showed competitive maturity and withstood Osasuna’s pressure. The Yellows produced an excellent defensive display and allowed very few clear chances.
The reward for their resistance and effort arrived in the 86th minute. Lauris and Alexia Jr regained possession in midfield, Aixa Salvador drove the counterattack and found María Romero, who unleashed a powerful long-range strike to make it 0-2 and spark Yellow celebrations. Osasuna managed to pull one back in the 90th minute through Claudia, assisted by Eunate, to seal the final score at 1-2.
The second leg of the promotion play-off semi-final to Liga F will take place next Sunday from 8pm at the José Manuel Llaneza Training Ground.
