Sevilla FC Femenino has returned to victory against Valencia CF (3-1). David Losada’s side had to suffer more than expected despite their early lead against a determined opponent who never gave up, but the three points ultimately stayed in Seville.
In the first half, the Sevilla team took the lead very early with a great goal from Millaray Cortés just three minutes in. That goal gave confidence to the Nervionenses, who had several opportunities to extend their lead through Fatou Kanteh, Padilla Bidas, or Alicia Redondo. It was, in fact, the Polish forward who, after the half-hour mark, scored the second goal following the team's persistent attacking play. After that second goal, a third could have come through a counterattack, but a good opportunity was not converted after a clearance by the Valencia defense.
The second half started with the same pace as the first, but this time it was the visitors who struck early. Yasmin pulled one back, and from that point on, the match became somewhat uncomfortable for the home side, who saw Cristian Toro’s team pushing to take the next step. With 15 minutes left, the Sevilla players had a chance for a third goal, but they were denied by goalkeeper Canales. Not long before the end, the match could have become even more complicated for the home team with a penalty kick, but once again, Esther Sullastres, the MVP of the match, demonstrated her spectacular form by saving it. What could have been a 2-2 became a 3-1 after a great play finished by Raquel, bringing calm and sealing the win.
With these three points, the Sevilla team collects the deserved reward after several matches where they earned it, heading into the break with 23 points and setting their sights on the next match against Real Sociedad away, which will take place in the first weekend of March.
MATCH FACTS
3. SEVILLA FC: Sullastres; Débora García, Diana Gomes, Eva Llamas, Lucía Corrales; Alicia, Pamela González (Iris Arnaiz, 84'), Gemma; Kanteh (Lucía Moral, 53'), Cortés (Raquel, 61'), and Padilla Bidas (Alba López, 86').
1. VALENCIA CF: Canales; El Haj (Sara Tamarit, 46'), Florentino, Carro, Alice; Emma (Simon, 73'), Yasmín, Ainhoa (Montunrayo, 86'); Marina Martí, Ali (Aida Esteve, 46'), and Browne.
GOALS: 1-0: Cortés (min. 3'); 2-0: Padilla Bidas (min. 32'); 2-1: Yasmin (min. 51'); 3-1: Raquel (min. 85').
REFEREE: Alicia Espinosa Ríos (Madrid committee). She booked the home players Pamela González and Esther Sullastres, as well as the visiting players Claudia Florentino and Alice.
INCIDENTS: The match, corresponding to the nineteenth round of Liga F, was played at the Estadio Jesús Navas in front of 231 spectators.