The most evenly matched Teika Derby ends in a draw (1-1) between Levante UD and Valencia CF at Mestalla
Levante UD had the desired victory in the Teika Derby at Mestalla (1-1) within reach, but a very intense Valencia CF in the second half prevented it. The point split was fair, with each side having their moment. With the draw and the results of direct rivals, the Granotas can say that, with seven rounds to go in the F League, they still occupy one of the spots that grant access to the next edition of the Champions League.
The start belonged to Sánchez Vera's team. Levante attackers posed a threat to Antonia's goal, preventing Gabi Nunes from giving the Orriols team the lead almost at the start of the match. The dominance translated into a masterful 0-1 goal scored by Alba Redondo after half an hour of play. Leire Baños sent a beautiful pass to the right wing for the Albacete-born player to gallop and beat her marker. After two cuts, the international forward struck a shot that hit the left post and then the back of the net. A stunning goal that paved the way for a victory that wouldn't come. Almost in the next play, Anita Marcos took advantage of a lapse in the visiting defense to beat Tarazona and restore the Teika Derby to its beginning.
After halftime, the white and black team came out to bite, eager to win their derby, or if not "their" derby, at least the one played in their territory, with more than 10,000 fans and many blue and garnet shirts in the stands. The best opportunity for Levante UD came in the final stretch, with a cross from the left by Silvia Lloris that Alba Redondo narrowly missed heading. She came in like a flash but couldn't make contact. Valencia CF also had their chances, so, given what was seen from both sides, everyone considered the final score fair.
FICHA TÉCNICA.
Valencia CF: Antonia Canales, Sara Tamarit, María Molina, Jimena López, Pauleta Sancho, Claudia Florentino, Ainhoa Alguacil (Marta Carro, 88'), Fiamma Benítez, Macarena Portales, Asun Martínez (Ivonne Chacón, 63') y Anita Marcos (Marina Martí, 74').
Levante UD: Tarazona; Antonia Silva, Silvia Lloris, María Méndez, Paula Tomás (Nuria Mendoza, 81'); Leire Baños, Paula Fernández, Andonova (Érika, 46'); Redondo, Estela (Daniela , 71') y Gabi Nunes (Leyre Secades, 86').
Goles: 0-1, m. 30: Alba Redondo; 1-1, m. 33: Anita Marcos.
Árbitra: Paula Cebollada López. Amonestó a las locales Fiamma Benítez y Claudia Florentino; y a la visitante Paula Fernández.
Estadio: Mestalla, ante 10.532 espectadores.
