Following a home draw against RC Deportivo Abanca in their previous match, Espanyol Women, coached by Sara Monforte, faced Madrid CFF in their 21st Liga F game on Saturday afternoon. Both teams were aiming to distance themselves from the relegation zone, currently occupied by Valencia CF Fem and UD Levante Fem.
Madrid CFF Strikes First
Espanyol started energetically. In the second minute, Lice Chamorro had an early chance, driving down the left and shooting, but Madrid CFF’s goalkeeper, Paola Ulloa, cleared it for a corner.
It was a competitive game, and Madrid CFF had their opportunity in the 14th minute, but the ball went wide. The deadlock broke in the 21st minute. Poor defending from Espanyol led to a series of errors, culminating in a goal by Allegra. Júlia Guerra tried to clear it off the line, but the assistant referee signaled a goal. Replays suggested the ball might not have fully crossed the line, a tough call for the assistant referee.
Espanyol was dealt a blow going behind. However, they continued pressing. Lice Chamorro missed a clear chance after a great pass from Cristina Baudet, failing to convert in a one-on-one situation against the goalkeeper.
As the first half progressed, fatigue became evident in both teams. In the final moments of the half, Arola Aparicio’s dangerous cross nearly resulted in an equalizer, followed by a potential penalty shout for Carol Marín and possible handball claims against Madrid CFF. Ultimately, Madrid CFF led 1-0 at halftime thanks to Allegra’s goal.
Controversial Penalty
Espanyol maintained their intensity into the second half. In the 53rd minute, they were awarded a questionable penalty. The ball appeared to hit Núria Mendoza’s hair, not her arm, but the referee pointed to the spot. Carol Marín converted the penalty, leveling the score at 1-1.
Espanyol’s Joy Short-Lived
The draw was short-lived. Just five minutes later, Madrid CFF retook the lead. Andonova collected a loose ball near the edge of the box and fired a powerful left-footed shot into the top corner, leaving Romane Salvador with no chance.
Trailing again, Sara Monforte made substitutions to inject fresh energy into the team. Trudi Carter and Iara Lacosta were brought on to strengthen the attack. Trudi Carter had a good chance from a corner, but the opportunity was lost.
Espanyol pushed forward in search of an equalizer. Lice Chamorro tried twice but was denied by Paola Ulloa.
Two-Minute Turnaround
In the final minutes, specifically the 83rd, Espanyol, pushing hard, found a breakthrough. Iara Lacosta, newly on the pitch, delivered a cross that Paula Perea, also a substitute, powerfully headed against the crossbar and in, making it 2-2.
Without pausing to celebrate, Espanyol went for the win. Lice Chamorro sprinted forward and crossed from the byline to Trudi Carter, who stretched to poke the ball home for a 3-2 lead.
A Fair Draw
Just as victory seemed secured, Madrid CFF had a final attack. In the 96th minute, Oljak crossed from the left for Nautnes, who scored past the French goalkeeper, securing a 3-3 draw.
For the fans, it was a thrilling second half. Both teams showed great spirit. They shared the points at CE Dani Jarque, and Espanyol Women will visit Atlético de Madrid Fem next week, seeking to add points away from home.
Match Details
RCD Espanyol Fem: Romane Salvador; Daniela Caracas (Iara Lacosta, 65′), Júlia Guerra, Laia Ballesté, Lucía Vallejo; Amaia Martínez, Cristina Baudet, Carol Marín (Amanda Mbadi, 65′), Mar Torras (Trudi Carter, 46′); Arola Aparicio, Lice Chamorro
Madrid CFF: Paola Ulloa; Aba Ruíz (Araya, 65′), Aldana Cometti, Nuria Mendoza, Sandra Villafañe, Allegra Poljak; Marcetto (Bonsegundo, 65′), Esther Laborde, Natasa Andonova; Emilie Nautnes, Ásdís Karen
Goals: 0-1 (Allegra, 21′) 1-1 (Carol Marín, 54′) 1-2 (Andonova, 59′) 2-2 (Paula Perea, 83′) 3-2 (Trudi Carter, 85′) 3-3 (Nautnes, 96′)
Referee: Lorena Trujillano Gallardo (Balearic Committee)
Yellow Cards: Ásdís Karen (35′) Mar Torras (42′)
Red Cards: None.
Attendance: CE Dani Jarque. Approximately 300 spectators.