3-1: Almería Women win again and close out 2021 unbeaten at home
The Rojiblancas beat Extremadura Women CF with goals from Irene, Fátima and Sarita. Mati is back into the frame after long-term injury
UD Almeria Women clearly beat Extremadura Women CF, notching up a victory and closing out 2021 unbeaten at home since the 2021/22 campaign began. In general, the Indálicas reigned superior and put in a great display that rewarded them with three goals scored by Irene, Fátima and Sarita (3-1). One of the highlights was Mati Vallejo as the player is back into the frame a year and a half after being operated on following an ACL injury.
The fans’ faces were glowing with pure happiness when head coach Álvaro García Búrdalo announced the starting line-up as Mati Vallejo was named as a defender in the teamsheet. She finally ended a long-term recovery that has kept her away from the fields for more than 365 days. Sara, Eva, Esther, Mati, Flores, Mireya, Marta Paz, Paqui, Jessi, Irene and Fátima joined forces to remain unbeaten this campaign.
From the off, some Almería Women footballers were brave enough in a bid to leave the three points at home and therefore, closing the gap at the top of the table. They fashioned chances until they took the lead after 98 minutes to make it 1-0. Irene Mateos beat goalkeeper Pipo with a wonderful shot.
The hosts did not want to relax even though they put themselves in front so they continued to attack well-organised Extremadura Women. Before half time, it was possible to see the home team girls digging deep to score more goals. Barely eight minutes had passed since the restart when Marta Paz sent a sensational pass from approximately 43 yards in which Fatima controlled perfectly and finished off to beat the goalie (2-0).
The Rojiblancas felt comfortable as the minutes went by. In addition, the fact that the girls from Extremadura gifted so much space that the hosts could have seen the game out with minimal fuss much earlier. Irene failed to finish off a delivery from the right flank and Pipo caught the ball between the sticks.
The one who earned her name onto the scoresheet one more day was Sarita. The Cádiz-born forward struck from the edge of the box just 20 seconds after she entered the pitch but the woodwork denied her. Nonetheless, the 3-0 arrived within 78 minutes, after the attacker took advantage of a rebound by the goalkeeper in a shot from Jessi.
Almería Women created a few more chances, yet hopeful visitor Laura pulled one back in the 90th minute (3-1). The Rojiblancas’s victory fired them to fourth place, just one point behind from third place and closed out 2021 undefeated at the Emilio Campra Youth Stadium.
UD Almería Women are to put an end to the first half of the competition visiting CP San Miguel Women and will kick off the second half of the league on 19th December against Las Rozas. This first reverse game was scheduled on 9th January 2022 but it has been put forward after both clubs have reached an agreement and the Spanish Football Federation has given the green light.
Match Information
UD Almería Women: Sara; Eva, Mati (Carmen Peláez, 76’), Esther, Flores, Mireya, Marta Paz (Sarita, 69’), Paqui (María, 60’), Jessi, Irene and Fátima (Adriana, 69’).
Extremadura Women CF: Pipo; Ana (Julieta, 35’), Saray, Carmen (Desy, 66’), Belén, Laura, Elena, Sara (Lola, 66’), Marina (Bea, 66’), María Ángeles and Leire (María , 56’).
Goals: 1-0, 8’: Irene. 2-0, 53’: Fatima. 3-0, 78’: Sarita. 3-1, 89’: Laura.
Referee: Rafael Sanz Montoya from the Almería Referees School. He booked host Irene.
Observations: Matchday 12. Primera Nacional Spanish women’s league. Group IV. The game was played at the Emilio Campra Youth Stadium and was attended by approximately 200 spectators.