0-1: VICTORY FOR SEVILLA TO PROGRESS INTO THE QUARTER-FINALS OF THE COPA DE LA REINA

Sevilla FC Women are in the quarter-finals of the Copa de la Reina after edging past Villarreal CF on Tuesday (0-1). Cristian Toro's side put in a competitive performance for the whole ninety minutes, showing an impressive ability to defend their one-nil lead whilst not giving up on scoring a second. 

In the first half, Sevilla was dominant as they tried to score the first goal of the game, with Ana Franco and Toni Payne heavily involved in these early attacks. In the ninth minute, the home side had a goal ruled out as Estefa was in an offside position. 

Our players' response was immediate, with Jessica Martínez providing the assist for Ana Franco to score after sixteen minutes. This goal continued Franco's excellent record at the Mini Estadi, her fourth at the stadium this season following a hat-trick at the same stadium in the league.    

Ana Franco's goal partnered with Nazareth's return to defence led to victory for Sevilla FC Women

After the goal, Sevilla FC were comfortable in the game with Toni Payne having a good chance to extend the lead in the 39ᵗʰ minute. This did not stop Sara Monforte's side from pressing for an equaliser, with Sheila and Giménez going close. Despite these chances, the scoreline was the same as the first-half came to a close. 

After the break, it was the home side who started strongest, but our side grew into the game, inspired by Ana Franco and Toni Payne. Just after the hour mark saw the return of young centre-back Nazareth Martín, playing for the first time since suffering a knee injury. With Nazareth and other changes made to the side to hold onto the lead, Franco had the chance to score again but failed to do so.  

A standout performance from goalkeeper Esther Sullastres, who managed to keep out several efforts from the home side, ensured that Sevilla FC will once again participate in the quarter-finals of the cup competition, which will be held in the beginning of March. 

Following this victory, our attention turns to the Finetwork Liga F, where the side will be looking to keep up this positive momentum on Sunday as they host Madrid CFF at the Estadio Jesús Navas at 18:00. 

MATCH SUMMARY

0. VILLARREAL CF WOMEN: Carbonell; Nerea (Kanteh, 84'), Giménez (Tamarit, 84'), Miguélez, Albeta; Estefa (Cienfu, 67'), Soldevila, Claudia Iglesias, Llompart; Sheila (Vera Rico, 67') and Belén (Tere Morató, 76').

1. SEVILLA FC WOMEN: Sullastres; Amparito (Nazareth, 59'), Eva Llamas, Nicoli (Débora García, 86'), Rosa Otermín; Cahynová, Almudena, Amanda Sampedro (Nago Calderón, 59'); Toni Payne, Jessica Martínez (Martín-Prieto, 69') and Ana Franco (Meseguer, 86').

REFEREE: Ylenia Sánchez Miguel. Yellow cards shown to Estefa and Nerea (Villarreal CF), and Cahynová (Sevilla FC).

GOALS: 0-1: Ana Franco (min. 17');