Matches covered:
Real Madrid Feminino vs Kharkiv, October 6th
Real Madrid Feminino vs Eibar, October 10th
Real Madrid Feminino vs Breidablik, October 13th
Real Madrid Castilla vs Cornellà, October 8th
When the whole world was mesmerized by the head of Madrid glitterati during the international break, we kept our eyes on the Valkyries of Real Madrid. On the 6th of October, Real Madrid made their first appearance in the group stage of the Women’s Champions League against Kharkiv and won the match by 1-0 thanks to the historical goal by Lorena.
David Aznar’s side started the game with lots of possessions. After missing a couple of early chances the Madridistas got their breakthrough ten minutes from halftime. After the opposition defense half-cleared a cross from Lucia, Lorena was right on the spot to turn the ball into the net. Real Madrid got the chance to double up their lead right before halftime after a defense-tearing pass by Zornoza but Athenea shot the ball over the net.
The second half was no different. The Real Madrid Femenino kept the pressure on and grind out more chances. Lorena threatened the Kharkiv defense once again in the second half and almost succeeded making it 2-0 when the visitors kept putting crosses to the opposition box. But her header missed the target. The hosts tried to get back some possessions and search for their equalizer but the Madrid defense stood firm. The match remained 1-0 for Real Madrid. A historical performance but there remained room for improvement for David Aznar’s side.
On October 10, the following matchday in LIGA Iberdrola against Eibar, Madrid hosted the game and won the match 2-1 after a remarkable comeback.
The Madrid Feminino team got behind after an early setback from Eibar forward Kuki. But the hosts got their equalizer before halftime when Møller scored from the cross put in by Kenti Robles. Real Madrid got themselves ahead at 57 min by Rocío’s first-ever goal in white jersey. Zornoza whipped a free-kick into the box and Peter flicked it onto Rocío who unleashed a fierce right-footed drive past Noelia. The team were utterly dominant and had many chances to increase the lead but the game ended with Real Madrid leading by a single goal margin.
On the 13th of October, Real Madrid hosted their second match of the Women’s Champions League. Madrid Valkyries thrashed Breidablik with a 5-0 defeat thanks to the first half hattrick by Møller. After winning the first game of the competition, David Aznar’s team came on to the pitch to make a statement. Møller converted the first chance of the game when Kenti Robles put in a delightful long-range pass. The pressure remained on and chances came flying. Møller scored again at 20th and 40th minutes in the first half to complete her hattrick.
The Madridista swamped their opponent scoring another two in the second half while creating ample chances. Olga put the team 4-0 ahead just after the second half started. The game went on and the team continued to search for goals. In the last stage of the game, Lorena got her second goal of the competition and put the last nail in the coffin. Real Madrid Femenino ended the match with a 5-0 victory, clearing all six points in the competition and are at the top of the table.
Unfortunately, the wind of the women’s team of Madrid, couldn’t reach the academy team. Real Madrid Castilla suffered a 1-0 loss on October 8th against Cornellà in PRIMERA RFEF.
Just after the kick-off, the academy team showed good signs when the free-kick by Aranda just skimmed past the post. Just before halftime, Jaume Jardí could put the team ahead when his shot just went wide of the post. After coming from the dressing room, the hosts were starting to dominate the game. They threatened the Madrid defense with crosses and long-range passes. Not long before the hour mark, Arribas managed to shoot a clean volley from a mis-hit clearance but the opposition goalkeeper had it covered.
The game went on and became an end-to-end affair. The academy forward Aranda showed his true colors and almost put the team upfront if his effort had not slipped the wrong side of the post. With only three minutes remaining Chiki beat Luis López with a shot from inside the box to hand Cornellà all three points. The disappointment only increased when the team finished the game with a man down in injury time after Carrillo saw his second yellow of the game.
Real Madrid Castilla ended up experiencing a bitter away defeat but remained focused to come back stronger.
[Cover image from realmadrid.com]
