News
SUN 11.12.2016
Santa Teresa CD 1-0 Sporting Huelva
Santa Teresa edged past Huelva in a victory that represents far more than just three points to Juan Carlos Antunez's side. This triumph sees the hosts climb several places in the standings, as they put further distance between themselves and the drop zone going into the Christmas break.
Those who took their places inside El Vivero were treated to an intriguing spectacle that was awash with quality. It was the Andalusians who enjoyed the better of the opening half and they came close to making their supremacy tell on several occasions, but ultimately the sides went in goalless at the break.
The second period panned out very differently and the whole complex of the game changed after the hosts got themselves ahead. With 69 minutes played, Estefania Lima struck what proved to be the winner and from that point on, Santa Teresa bossed proceedings. The home side went on to enjoy the lion's share of possession and chances in the closing stages, but no further goals were forthcoming.
Santa Teresa proved too strong for Antonio Toledo's side to end 2016 on a high. The Badajoz-based outfit will be hoping that this win now provides them with some impetus heading into the new year.
Real Betis 2-1 RCD Espanyol
Las Verdiblancas signed off for the year by securing their maiden home triumph of the campaign in a thrilling encounter at the Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol.
It was the Catalans who got their noses in front, but goals from Miriam Rodriguez, better known as Kuki, and Yaiza Relea (Yiyi) saw Betis stage a stirring comeback.
The Andalusians came out all guns blazing, but as the game wore on, Espanyol began to impose themselves. With 30 minutes on the clock, Las Pericas' skipper, Paloma Fernandez, kept a cool head to fire past Miriam Lopez when put clean through.
After the restart, Betis upped things and they restored parity through Kuki's 74th-minute strike, before Yiyi netted the winner on 88', as Maria Pry's troops edge themselves further away from the dreaded drop zone.
UD Tacuense 1-1 F. Albacete
Tacuense played host to Albacete in a proverbial six-pointer as these two relegation-threatened sides locked horns in Tenerife. However, both were made to settle for a point, a result which does little to boost either side's prospects.
The opening 45 minutes ended goalless as both teams spent the first half sizing each other up. There was little change to the pattern after the break, although the islanders forged ahead on 57' through Tamara Garcia. However, the hosts' joy proved to be short-lived as Mila Martinez's charges levelled soon after when Chan produced a clinical finish. Eight minutes later, the Japanese player had a fantastic opportunity to have doubled her tally but she squandered the chance as this relegation clash ended honours even.
Oiartzun KE 0-1 Rayo Vallecano
Both teams came into this one in desperate need of the three points. The Basques were bidding to claw themselves out of the relegation spots, whilst the Madrilenians were looking to ensure they went into the break in the Copa de la Reina qualification berths. Ultimately it was Rayo who prevailed, but they were certainly made to work for the win by an Oiartzun side who never give any less than 100%.
Indeed, the visitors were made to wait until just three minutes before the end to break the deadlock. Whilst Natalia Pablos and Cristina Auñon had both spurned gilt-edged chances earlier on, it was Maria Carmen Garcia who hit the winner on 87 minutes.
This was a disappointing result for Oiartzun, who are still searching for their first win of the campaign. As for Rayo, after blowing hot and cold in the early weeks of the season, Miguel Angel Quejigo's side have improved with every passing matchday and end the year sitting pretty in seventh.
Valencia CF 3-0 Real Sociedad
Two of the Liga Iberdrola's heavyweights met in this blockbuster clash, which went the way of Las Che as Cristian Toro's charges offered a masterclass in easy-on-the-eye football.
The hosts, however, didn't have things all their own way, as La Real grew into the game and managed to stifle Valencia's attacking play for long periods. The first half ended 0-0, as neither side managed to fashion any clear-cut openings.
After the restart, Valencia took charge of proceedings and went on to score three goals in the closing stages. Academy graduate Marta Peiro put the hosts two goals to the good in an eye-catching performance for the Valencians, before Paula Nicart rounded off a victory which leaves Valencia in fourth.
Atletico Madrid 2-1 FC Barcelona
This was the game of the matchday. Expectations were running high after over 8,000 fans turned up at the Ciutat de Valencia to see Valencia overcome Real Sociedad, and the Vicente Calderon would not be outdone. Over 13,000 spectators shook the foundations of the stadium as they watched Atletico Madrid's victory and the lethal partnership of Sonia Bermudez (Soni) and Marta Corredera.
Las Rojiblancas blew Barcelona away in the opening stages, with the Calderon energetically cheering on their players. Atletico were on top and the first goal soon came. Soni brought the ball under control, played in the perfect cross from the left and Corredera got on the end of it in the area and beat Sandra Paños. It was a historic event too – Atletico Women's first goal at the Vicente Calderon. However, Soni was still hungry for more, and the top scorer in the division got what she was after. The second goal was always going to be hers and it was an absolute screamer. She rifled the ball into the top corner leaving the keeper helpless to do anything about it – a goal she will not forget in a hurry. Atletico were on fire and two goals to the good as they headed in for the half-time break.
The second half was a more evenly matched affair, with Barcelona radically changing the way that they were playing. They managed to inject some flow into their game and pulled a goal back – Andressa Alves netting for the visitors. Nevertheless, Atleti were not to be disheartened and kept on pushing for more, urged on by the spectacular atmosphere created by the crowd: screams of "Atleti, Atleti" were all that could be hard. The thrilling match drew to a close with the scores unchanged and the home side claimed the three points to put Angel Villacampa's charges top on 36 points. Atletico outplayed Barcelona in style in front of over 13,000 spectators.
Levante UD 3-2 Granadilla Egatesa
The three points on offer here were huge for both teams. Levante were looking to add another victory to their tally to remain in contention with the top spots. Granadilla, meanwhile, were looking to kick on from their last two draws. However, the victory went to the home side, putting Las Granotas in third place, level on points with Barcelona and just one shy of the leaders, Atletico Madrid.
However, it was the visitors who got off to the better start. Ayano Dozono beat Noelia Bermudez with a low shot from the right flank. Levante reacted well and Charlyn Corral converted from the spot just five minutes later to equalise. With the scores level, Levante upped their game even more. Maria Jose Perez, who produced another perfect performance, scored Levante's second off an assist by Alharilla Casado.
The game was more even after the break, but Maria Jose seized on a clearance on 57 minutes and buried the ball into the back of the net. It looked like it was all over at 3-1, but there were more goals to be had – Paloma Lazaro pulling one back in injury time. Despite the grit demonstrated by Granadilla, Levante's hard work was rewarded in Paiporta.
Athletic Club 4-0 Zaragoza CFF
Athletic secured a resounding victory to prove that they are a force to be reckoned with. The three points keep Las Rojiblancas in the Copa de la Reina qualification positions. They are level on points with Granadilla with a game in hand, to be played against Oiartzun. Athletic were looking to redeem themselves and they achieved their objective. It only took 11 minutes for Joseba Agirre's side to take the lead – Nekane Diez on cue again for the Basque side. Maite Oroz grabbed the second before the interval, and the home team headed in for the break 2-0 up. The second half produced more of the same. Athletic were the better team, and goals from Erika Vazquez and Yulema Corres sealed the win. The victory gives Athletic a much needed boost after a disappointing run of late.
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