News
SAT 25.03.2017
The Valencians got back on track following their unexpected loss to UD Tacuense last time out, in the process condemning Betis to a third defeat in a row. Maria Jose Perez headed the home team ahead in the 56th minute, before Sandra Torres, one of the game's key figures, prevented an equaliser by saving Paula Moreno's penalty. Five minutes later, Charlyn Corral sewed up the points. Irene Guerrero successfully converted the second spot-kick of the match in the dying moments to earn the visitors a modicum of consolation.
Granadilla Egatesa 2-0 UD Tacuense
It was a milestone occasion in Tenerife, with the Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez opening its doors for a women's football match for the very first time. More than 7,000 supporters were in attendance and created a party atmosphere for a Canary Islands derby that will go down in the history books. It was a nip-and-tuck encounter, but Granadilla displayed more attacking purpose after the interval and got their reward when Ana Gonzalez slid home from close range in the 55th minute and Virginia Garcia Montilla stroked a rebound into the empty net on 75'.
Rayo Vallecano 3-2 RCD Espanyol
The Madrilenians moved back into the Copa de la Reina berths after returning to winning ways against Espanyol, who remain mired in trouble. Eli del Estal gave the strugglers the lead in the eighth minute at Vallecas, only for Rayo to hit back almost immediately through Natalia Pablos. Eli doubled her tally and put her side back in front on 17', before Rayo levelled again through Raquel Carreño. Pablos popped up again in the second half to notch the winner for the hosts, who are now just a point off seventh place.
Cristian Toro's troops, whose only defeat this season came back in November, recorded another convincing triumph – with another clean sheet on home turf to boot – to continue their pursuit of the top two. Mari Paz Vilas was instrumental once again, bagging the first two goals, before Yanara Aedo killed off any hopes of a comeback for the relegation-threatened visitors.
Santa Teresa CD 1-1 Zaragoza CFF
It was an absorbing battle in Badajoz, where the two teams went at it hammer and tongs. Marta Reyes broke the deadlock for mid-table Zaragoza in the 35th minute. Copa de la Reina hopefuls Santa Teresa sought to mount an immediate response, but were unable to find a way through and in the end had to wait until the 77th minute to secure a share of the spoils, substitute Marta Rubio getting her name on the scoresheet five minutes after coming on.
After an erratic start to the season, La Real have really come into their own and have their sights set on Copa de la Reina qualification, at the very least. The Basques extended their winning streak with a narrow victory over Albacete, who stay dangerously perched just above the dreaded drop zone. Second-half sub Leyre Fernandez grabbed the only goal of the game in the 81st minute, racing into space behind the defence and beating the keeper.
FC Barcelona 5-1 Sporting Huelva
Fresh off their Women's Champions League success in midweek, trophy-chasing Barcelona registered another statement-sending win, closing to within two points of the summit thanks to Atletico's slip-up. Olga Garcia set the Catalans on their way with a superb curling strike from outside the box in the eighth minute and then Mariona Caldentey and Patri Guijarro struck before the break. Xavi Llorens's charges did not take their foot off the pedal after the interval, Vicky Losada netting right after the restart before Ana Belen Hernandez pulled one back for Sporting. Jenni Hermoso rounded off the rout in injury time.
Atletico Madrid 1-1 Athletic Club
This showdown between this term's pacesetters and the reigning champions was always going to be a high-octane affair and the decision to stage the match at the Vicente Calderon only heightened the crackle of anticipation. Over 10,600 fans turned out and got right behind their teams, celebrating their respective goals vociferously and chanting all game long.
The Basques did not make it easy for Las Colchoneras and threatened an upset when Lucia Garcia picked out Nekane Diez with a through ball in the 48th minute and the striker finished at the second time of asking. After spurning a number of chances, Angel Villacampa's side finally got an equaliser from the penalty spot, the league's top scorer Sonia Bermudez slotting home from 12 yards. The result leaves the title race tantalisingly poised, with Atletico's red-hot run brought to an end and Barça snapping at their heels.
© LALIGA - 2017