1-2: Almería Women round off 2021 with huge win to have merry Xmas
The Rojiblancas beat Olympia Las Rozas with a 90-minute goal and will be second in the table until the arrival of 2022
Incredible, commanding, spectacular ... These are some of the adjectives that could perfectly define the performance that each of the unstoppable Almería Women true fighters put in every weekend. The Rojiblancas achieved an all-important victory at the direct rivals Olympia Las Rozas’ pitch thanks to Esther and Jessi’s goals, the latter scored 90 minutes in. The Indálicas who have played one more game than the others, will spend the Xmas holidays in second place - which is equivalent to automatic promotion - and also have a better goal average than their Sunday’s opponents.
Before the epic triumph, UD Almería Women had to face an unusual situation...a referee trio had not been appointed for the game, so the match started with a one-hour delay with an emergency referee trio officiating in the end.
Carmen Belmonte started at the age of 15 and debuted in the Primera Nacional women’s league. Head coach Álvaro García Búrdalo put into play a squad made up of Carmen between the sticks as well as Eva, Esther, Mati, Mireya, Anita París, Marta Paz, Ana Carrascosa, Jessi, Irene and Sarita.
The game was an end-to-end affair with chances. Before the hour-mark when the balance was tipped in favour of the visitors, when Esther masterfully took a direct free-kick from the edge of the area and netted to open the scoring (0-1).
During the remaining time of the first period, there would be clear opportunities for each team. On the Rojiblancas side, Sarita tried her luck from long range and put the host goalkeeper to the test while on the visitors side, Carmen Belmonte averted danger just before the interval with a worthwhile save.
The Indálicas were eager to extend their advantage after coming on again from the dressing room. Ana Carrascosa led two vital chances, but in a first attempt the ball fizzed over the crossbar and away. UD Almería Women were bossing things on an important Matchday. However, the hosts managed to draw level. Fra made it 1-1 on 76 minutes.
The result of a draw was not that bad for the Rojiblancas, although it was unfair as a result of what was being seen on the field of play. The driving ambition of the visitors made them go all out for a win and ended up getting it. The first to warn was Sarita, who finished off after a corner-kick, with Olympia Las Rozas's goalie having to do their best to keep it level. Although Lorena could do little when, in the 90th minute, Sarita and Jessi teamed up, the girl from Aguilas popped up in the box and hit with an explosive shot from the near post to seal victory (1-2).
The hosts squandered a very clear chance in injury time. Keeper Carmen Belmonte made an impressive save to keep the three points for the Rojiblancas.
UD Almería Women round off 2021 in second position, which is equivalent to automatic promotion to the higher tier, after beating direct rivals Olympia Las Rozas. The Rojiblancas have played one more game since this one was brought forward from 9th January and the rest of the appointments will not be played until that date, but that aspect does not prevent the Almeria Women from deserving a very happy Christmas after closing out the year beating historical records.
Match Information:
CF Women Olympia Las Rozas: Lorena; Cris, Bea, Noemi, Lucía, Sánchez, Fra, Marta, Elena, Anilla and Elisa.
UD Almería Women: Carmen Belmonte; Eva, Mati, Esther, Mireya, Anita París, Marta Paz, Ana Carrascosa, Jessi, Irene and Sarita.
Goals: 0-1, 31’: Esther. 1-1, 76’: Fra. 1-2, 90’: Jessi.
Referee: Enrique Bustos Pereira from the Madrid Referees School booked hosts Bea and Elisa as well as visitors Carmen Belmonte and Irene.
Observations: Matchday 14. Group IV of the Primera Nacional Women's league. The match started an hour late due to the absence of a referee trio appointment. An emergency referee trio officiated at the Las Rozas Fairgrounds in the end.