0-2: Almeria Women come back home with a big ‘W’
The Rojiblancas impose their football style against CD Castuera and grasp the great chance to stay up in ‘Primera Nacional’
The UD Almería Women's squad achieved a vital victory in view of their aspirations to continue one more year competing in the Primera Nacional Women's Division. The Indálicas dominated the game thanks to their solid performance against CD Castuera from the first minutes until the last moments with the achievement of all three points. The goals at the feet of Jessi and Cristina not only sealed a six-point lead over relegation spots, but also inspired them to beat their most direct rivals.
It was a great showing from the girls from the South Coast in the first opening minutes. That is to say, the Rojiblancas nearly found twice the opener just 10 minutes in. First, a shot from Fatima after a corner-kick grazed the post, while, immediately afterwards, Jessi forced the hosts’ goalkeeper into a save. The Castuera keeper was definitely the Extremadura-based team's main weapon to reach the break feeling alive, as she was successful again by denying Nadia López.
UD Almería Women were well positioned on the pitch despite the suffocating heat and pressure from the home team’s supporters, who cheered on their players in this all-important event. There would still be time before half-time for another red-and-white chance to be witnessed, since, Paqui dared to try her luck with a shot from approximately 30 yards on 35 minutes, but the goalie reached in just in time to send the ball to the crossbar.
The visitors’ fine efforts earned them a reward as soon as the second half began. The Almerienses took possession and staged a play on the wing in which Irene crossed the ball into the heart of box where team-mate Jessi was ready to boot and make it 0-1.
It was noticeable that the Almería players were going all out to take a big step forward in the standings against direct rivals. So much so that after putting in maximum effort, they scored the second. In a 64-minute action, Cristina picked up the ball in front of the area and, without hesitating, shot to put her name onto the scoresheet and double her side’s lead (0-2).
The final whistle confirmed the victory at the hands of Almería Women who extend their gap to 6 points with respect to the relegation zone, and at the same time, improve their numbers. Now they are equal on points with Sporting de Huelva ‘B’ and slowly approach the middle of the table. It is worth highlighting that the Indálicas have better goal average than CD Castuera thanks to this vital away win.
Match facts:
CD Castuera: Aroa; María, Ana (María Barragán, 65’), Ori, Auro (Ale, 65’), Irene, Tamara, Antón, Cris, Lucía and María Godoy.
UD Almería Women: Andrea Ríos; Irene, Pilar, Laura, Esther, Anita París, Cristina (Ana Carrascosa, min. 70), Paqui (Mireya, 70’), Jessi, Fátima (Sonia, 65’) and Nadia (Flores, 80’).
Goals: 0-1, 46’: Jessi. 0-2, 64’: Cristina.
Referee: Patricia Gómez Gómez, from the Madrid Referees School. She booked Tamara, Lucía and Irene from Castuera, as well as Jessi and Laura, from UD Almería Women.
Observations: Matchday 20. Group IV. Primera Nacional Women's Division in Spain. It was a rearranged game due to Covid-19 played at the Manuel Ruiz ground.