Last Sunday, Real Madrid Feminino went up against SD Eibar in the search of some last-minute points before the start of the international break. After 90 minutes of wonderfully energetic and organic play, the Women in White secured three victory points, and with them, their place back in Champions League position in the La Liga F standings.
The women in white came flying out of the gates as Caroline Weir set the tone of the match almost immediately, sneaking a well-timed ball right under E. Astralaga’s leg and straight into the back on the net in only the 2nd minute, having been set up by Athanea.
The match marked a particularly special occasion for Weir as she stepped out onto the pitch for Real Madrid F for the 100th time. During her time with the team, she has become an invaluable player. Earlier this year she became the team’s all-time leading goal-scorer, and her performance today was certainly in keeping with that accolade. Mirroring the first half, she opened the second half with an absolutely beautiful strike from outside the box straight to the top left corner, solidifying the team’s lead over Eibar.
Rocío tipped the scales even further in the 83rd minute with a quick rebound, hammering home their victory. Athanea crossed the ball into the box where it connected well with Comemdador but E. Astralaga was ready for it. The ball rebounded off her and Rocío lost no time in sending it to the back of the net.
Whilst Eibar were definitely the underdogs of the match, they certainly put up a good fight. Despite coming out with a heavily defensive formation, the players still made plenty of attacking moves and were able to move the ball up the pitch well. However, unfortunately for them, Real Madrid’s defence prevented them for converting their efforts into any goals despite several attempts including a slid header from Andrés.
Noteworthy performances of the match undoubtably include Real Madrid’s number 7, Athanea. Throughout the match she displayed not only highly impressive technically ability, but a distinct flair that made her a thoroughly entertaining player to watch. In fact, the team as a whole played with undeniable panache, spinning past Eibar’s defence, popping balls over their oppositions’ heads and playing with pace and style.
It is clear that they are an exciting team to watch; and their loudly loyal fans certainly agree. It will be interesting to see how the team’s performance continues and develops over the remaining course of the season, but if this match is any indicator, they will surely go far.
