Real Madrid defeated UD Levante with the result 1-2 on matchday 18 of Liga F. Below are my thoughts and views on the match.
Misa in goal, with the defense of Lakrar-Méndez as centerbacks and Yasmim and Shei on fullbacks. Teresa and Angeldahl were the pivot duo, while Weir made a part of a front 4 with Athenea, Linda, and Redondo leading the line.
It was quite a straightforward game, even though the result doesn’t show it. The control was on Madrid’s side, but Levante did well in blocking the shots.
Going wide in attack was always a risk for Las Blancas as Levante would always put 4 players against the 2 – fullback and winger – of Real Madrid. Levante’s fullbacks did well in blocking the crosses. The only way to send in a cross was from long distance which was something Yasmim was attempting a lot throughout the game. However, her crosses were too strong even then, in the majority of the cases. As for the wingers, Caicedo and Athenea switched sides every 15 minutes or so. Linda started on the right with Shei behind her, and Athenea went to the left wing with Yasmim. When Athenea would switch to the right, it was apparent that her communication with Shei wasn’t well established. It was Shei who led the communication in attacks mostly, and it didn’t look like Athenea understood her ideas.
As for the rival, the highlighted player was most definitely Daniela Arques, who also assisted Levante’s goal from a corner. She had clearances and interceptions in the center of the midfield and was covering a lot of ground.
- 23’: GOAL (0-1) by Caroline Weir: the Scot converts the penalty kick provoked by Redondo.
- 27’: GOAL (0-2) by Alba Redondo: a good combination in front of the penalty area leading to a backheel assist by Weir to Redondo.
- 42’: GOAL (1-2) by Eva Alonso: corner taken by Daniela Arques found Eva Alonso in the box. Alonso was Shei’s mark, but she lost her in the moment the ball was reaching Alonso’s head.
Taking the three points home after a messy game. Fun fact from the game is that Redondo’s goal was her 50th in Liga F that made her the first player to reach the 50-goal mark in Liga F – since the league became professional.
