4-3: Almeria Women record a remarkable comeback
The Rojiblancas mounted a stirring fightback from 1-3 to defeat Híspalis with a hat-trick from Fatima and a goal from Paqui
Spectacular! It is officially comeback night in the Primera Nacional Women’s league. Almería Women beat Hispalis at the Emilio Campra Stadium. Fatima put the hosts in front shortly after the kick-off, but they rued missed chances letting the Sevillanas fight back to make it 1-3. It was then when the Indálicas came back from behind to get the big W and stay up in the league courtesy of Fatima’s outstanding hat-trick and a goal from Paqui (4-3)
Agustín Sánchez decided to place Ani between the sticks for a change. The starting XI was completed by Irene, Pilar, Esther, Eva, Anita París, Cristina, Ana Carrascosa, Jessi, Nadia and Fátima.
Almería Women did better during the first minutes of play and on 5 minutes, Fátima took advantage of a rebound off the keeper to score the opener (1-0).
The Indálicas carved out the better opportunities with Nadia López taking a leading role on their home turf. The attacker managed to dribble away from the goalie, but out of the blue a defender got in the way, while shortly after, a shot from the No. 10 flew over the crossbar. Almeria would experience football first-hand as Blanca’s hit cancelled out the Rojiblancas’ opener (1-1).
It seemed that the home team forgot about their dominance and this situation inspired the visitors to slam in their second just before the break (1-2). In addition, the restart took place in the worst imaginable way for the benefit of Almería, since Raquel beat Ani when she returned from the dressing room (1-3).
UD Almería Women were keenly aware that three points were vital if they wanted to stay up this season. With 59 minutes gone, Jessi crossed in from the right wing and Fatima picked the ball up in the heart of the box to find the back of the net (2-3).
Paqui, who came on the pitch in the second half, fired a fine effort to beat keeper Almu and draw level (3-3). Next, Fatima was in charge of breaking the deadlock to complete her hat-trick after a corner-kick (4-3).
UD Almería Women clinched a victory to place themselves six points clear of the relegation zone, although things may change after the game between Polideportivo San Miguel and Castuera. In addition, the Rojiblancas are ninth with two points of advantage over Sporting de Huelva, who are now sitting tenth after drawing against Santa Teresa ‘B’.
Match facts:
UD Almería Women: Ani; Irene, Pilar, Esther (Sonia, 60’), Eva Campoy (Flores, 60’), Anita París, Cristina (Paqui, 45’), Ana Carrascosa, Jessi, Nadia (Mireya, 85’) and Fátima.
CD Híspalis: Almu; Alfaro, Camero, Martita, Vero, Pizarro, Tere, Nuria, Raquel, Ana and Blanca.
Goals: 1-0, 5’: Fatima. 1-1, 22’: Blanca. 1-2, 42’: Camero. 1-3, min. 2-3, 59’: Fátima. 3-3, 74’: Paqui. 4-3, 76’: Fátima.
Referee: Inmaculada Montosa Jiménez, from the Almería Referees School. She booked Fátima, Ana Carrascosa and Nadia from Almería Women, as well as Pizarro, from Híspalis. In addition, she expelled Alfaro from CD Híspalis, in the 55th minute, as a result of two yellow cards.
Observations: Matchday 22. Group IV. Primera Nacional Women's Division. The match was played behind closed doors at the Emilio Campra Stadium.