The 28th match-day of Liga F saw Real Madrid Femenino triumphing 1-0 over Atlético in the third derby of the season. The last clash between the two Madrid teams had taken place this past late January at the Alfredo Di Stéfano, with the home team securing a 3-1 victory in the Copa della Reina. However, Herrera’s team had won the league’s first leg this past September.
This time, while both teams have already qualified for the Champions League, the Colchoneras needed this victory to maintain their distance from UD Tenerife. For Real Madrid, on the other hand, the result doesn’t significantly change their position in the table, but it allows them to consolidate their 2nd position behind Barcelona.
It was a peculiar match for Atlético de Madrid, as both Lola Gallardo and Carmen Menayo could have appeared in José Herrera’s starting line-up in what might have been their last derby. Both players have featured in more than 100 games for the club and are still waiting to renew their contracts. Ultimately, only Gallardo played, though she was forced to leave the pitch in the second half due to medical reasons.
Misa, Real Madrid’s captain and the player with the most appearances in the club’s history, is experiencing a similar situation. This could have been her last Derbi de Madrid as well, but like Menayo, she did not feature in the game.
From the kick-off, Quesada’s team pressed their opponents high and created several chances. The first was a powerful strike from Linda Caicedo. Just three minutes later, the Colombian player provided a brilliant assist for Feller, who hit the crossbar. However, the most difficult shot for Lola Gallardo to save came from Caroline Weir in the 13th minute.
While Atlético tried to gain momentum, Real Madrid struck again through Caicedo; everything was perfectly executed except for the finish. Finally, after multiple attempts, the home team broke the deadlock with a brilliant volley from Weir from outside the box. Just moments before, Alexia had been booked after committing a foul on Irune. Atlético attempted to create space, but despite holding possession for a while, they couldn’t deliver as expected
In the second half, Real Madrid took to the field pressing Atlético once again. As the match restarted, Lola Gallardo experienced some issues and required medical assistance. She attempted to stay on but was replaced ten minutes later.
Despite this, the Colchoneras proved their quality in the second half, attacking with more consistency. They created several chances, including a shot against the crossbar by the Norwegian midfielder, Vilde Bøe Risa. Around the 73rd minute, the referee, Espinosa Ríos, checked for a possible penalty for Atlético due to a suspicious handball in the Real Madrid box.
Herrera’s team had a massive opportunity with Amaiur in front of goal, but Frohms produced a fine save, proving her ability once again. Not long after, however, Frohms also suffered muscular issues and required immediate medical attention. Between the VAR check, Frohms’ medical breaks, and the various substitutions, nine minutes of added time were assigned.
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