1-1: Almería Women get a hard-fought point after thrilling game in Seville
Great game for the Rojiblancas in which they deserved more than a draw with Real Betis Féminas ‘B’
Great game! This is how the match contested by the UD Almería Women players can be defined, who ended up drawing on the Real Betis Féminas ‘B’, who lay down a marker for promotion. The Rojiblancas were well organised and worked their fingers to the bone at all times on the Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol pitch. After the Blanquiverdes took the lead, the Almeria outplayed the hosts, dominated the game, especially over the course of the second half, until Nadia scored a goal to share the spoils.
Agustín Sánchez, who was in charge of the team on an interim basis, picked up a starting XI formed by Andrea Ríos; Irene, Mati, Esther, Chelo, María Flores, Pilar, Anita París, Eva Campoy, Paqui and Sonia Piña.
It was the Almería Women team created the first chance with just five minutes on the clock when a free-kick went over the crossbar. Of course, during the first half scoring opportunities followed one another and, shortly after, the Betis ‘B’ team approached the goal defended by keeper Andrea Ríos with danger.
If there was something that improved over the match it was the girls from Almeria positional play on the Luis del Sol ground, so that the players in red and white gained momentum. After 20 minutes, the Almeria players claimed a possible penalty for handball in the box, which the ref did not agree with. A failed cross at hands of the visiting team almost found the back of the net.
It was in the 38th minute when the scoreboard changed and did so as a result of a brilliant shot from Julene by Real Betis Féminas ‘B’, as she controlled the ball in the front of the area, got away from the defence block and kicked the ball so that Andrea did not manage to deny her (1-0).
Despite being behind before the interval, UD Almería Women continued to strive to tie. In the last minutes before half-time, a shot from the Rojiblancas’ middle third would be saved by the goalkeeper.
After the resumption, the Almeria team put more pressure on the adversaries. So much so that Betis goalie Sonia had to make an effort to send a far kick from Paqui to corner on 48 minutes. UD Almería did not stop growing. In the 56th minute, there was room for controversy, since a goal by Chelo was ruled off for offside. With 70 minutes gone there was bad news… Mati had to be subbed following gestures of pain in her knee after a set play.
The clock was ticking and the meeting was heading towards its end. Almeria were getting better on the pitch. In this sense, on 74 minutes, Nadia found the much-needed equaliser (1-1) to avoid coming back home empty handed.
The players of both sides battled it out in the final stretch to steal all three points. However, the final whistle confirmed that the spoils were shared after a thrilling match by the UD Almería Women footballers.
Real Betis Féminas ‘B’: Sonia; Nerea, Úrsula, Vicky, Bensumea, Irati, Julene, Marina (Alba, 78’), Blanca, Lucía Ramos (Lucía Sánchez, 67’) and Rocío.
UD Almería Women: Andrea Ríos; Irene, Mati (Flores, 74’), Esther, Chelo, María Flores, Pilar, Anita París (Mireya, 83’), Eva Campoy (Nadia, 62’), Paqui (Rocío, 83’) and Sonia Piña (Cristina, 74’).
Goals: 1-0, 38’: Julene. 1-1, 74’: Nadia.
Referee: Clara Elía Fernández Gallego. She admonished Esther by UD Almería Women.
Observations: Matchday 3 within group IV of the Primera Nacional Femenina league. The meeting was played at Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol (Seville) behind closed doors.