Real Madrid won 1-2 against Sporting Club de Portugal in the first leg of UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers. Below are my thoughts and views on the match
The formation on the pitch looked much different from what it was on paper. Weir started by operating on the wing at times, then moved to the role of #10. It also seemed that Leupolz and Toletti were in a double pivot creating triangles. Athenea switched sides a lot, much more often in the second half than in the first.
The first half was characterized by long passes and nervous long shots, as well as failed crosses. Many of those long passes came from Melanie Leupolz who also sent the ball to Athenea in the first goal. She decided the side of the attacks in many cases and supported Weir when she would go to the right wing.
Olga seemed to be much more prominent in attack, especially noticeable in the second half, while she was shaky in defense a few times. Lakrar had a few audacious recoveries inside Madrid’s penalty area, and long balls which she’s famous for.
Angeldahl served as a bridge between the pivots and the winger, and operated on the left side. She would become noticeable when Athenea went on to play on the left-hand side.
When entering Sporting’s penalty area, Las Blancas would be there with at least three players at most times. Sporting’s fullbacks did not let neither Olga nor Athenea cross and would always have to look for another way to get the ball closer to the box. In instances where the ball would be getting passed on in the attacking box, Athenea and Weir combining would be in the center of attention of the chance.
When Bruun and Eva Navarro got on in 59’ for Angeldahl and Redondo the formation became clearer as there were two wingers and two players in the middle. Weir acted more as a striker with Bruun on the pitch as it was the Dane who would pull back to help during a chance leaving Weir more up front. Eva managed to send a couple of crosses, not precise ones, but in comparison with how crosses went during the first half, Navarro felt like a breath of fresh air.
- 11’ GOAL (0-1) Athenea: Leupolz sent the long ball towards Athenea. Seabert left the box to clear the ball but failed in the first touch as Athenea took advantage of that and carried the ball to the net.
- 45+4’ GOAL (1-1) A.Bravo (penalty): Misa gave away a penalty to Sporting in a tackle against Brittany. Bravo took the penalty and sent it to the left side while Misa dove right. Immediately after the first half ended.
- 90+6’ GOAL (1-2) Leupolz: with the crosses getting increasingly more prominent throughout the match, Olga sent one last one in the dying minutes of the added time. Seabert jumped to catch the ball but it slipped off, with Leupolz on the far post ready to kick it in.
The game with two goals scored in the dying minutes of each half, including giving away a penalty, is a great way to commemorate the start of this season’s UWCL campaign. Las Blancas are one step closer to the group stage as they are yet to play Sporting on Alfredo Di Stefano next Thursday.
