Levante UD Maintains Champions League Tension by Defeating Villarreal CF 2-1
Levante UD secured a 2-1 victory over Villarreal CF, keeping their hopes of qualifying for the next edition of the UEFA Women’s Champions League alive. The Granotas had to fight harder than expected to win this regional clash. Just 12 minutes into the match, they were already leading 2-0 with goals from Alba Redondo and Paula Fernández. The victory could have been more decisive, but Villarreal, fighting to avoid relegation in Liga F, narrowed the gap late in the game with a goal from McKenna and nearly equalized in the final moments, adding suspense to the encounter.
Alba Redondo’s opportunism paid off early in Buñol, and by the 5th minute, she had already found the back of the net. Initially, her shot was denied by the post. The Villarreal defense tried to prevent Gabi Nunes from scoring on the rebound, but they couldn't stop Redondo from ultimately scoring the opener. Shortly after, Villarreal received another blow, again involving the World Cup champion. Redondo skillfully controlled a long, spectacular pass from Leire Baños on the right and delivered a perfect assist to Paula Fernández, who easily doubled the lead. The Granotas could have extended their lead further before halftime, but goalkeeper Carmen Carbonell made a remarkable save on a powerful shot from Daniela.
After the break, Levante UD struggled to maintain their attacking rhythm. Villarreal, led by Sara Monforte, were fighting for their last chances to stay in the top tier. Even so, Levante had a clear opportunity when Núria Mendoza made a great pass to the right, Alharilla crossed into the heart of the area, and Alba Redondo's shot was spectacularly saved by the Villarreal goalkeeper. The drama heightened when, in the 92nd minute, Alharilla cleared a shot off the line that could have been the equalizer, just after McKenna had made it 2-1. Ultimately, the tension didn't result in a draw, and the three points remained with Levante.
Match Details:
Levante UD: Tarazona; Antonia S. (Alharilla, 46’), M. Méndez, N. Mendoza, S. Lloris; L. Baños, P. Fernández, Daniela; Redondo, Andonova, Gabi Nunes (Érika, 46’).
Villarreal CF: C. Carbonell; Nerea (Lucía G., 74’), C. Cubedo, Giménez (Lucía R., 63’), M. Llompart, Ainhoa, Claudia I. (F. Lara, 74’), McKenna, Nerea, Rocío, Soldevila, Raquel.
Goals: 1-0, min. 5: Redondo. 2-0, min. 12: P. Fernández. 2-1, min. 80: McKenna.
Referee: Planes Terol. Yellow cards for Levante’s Gabi Nunes (27'), Alharilla (65’), and Núria Mendoza (68’), and for Villarreal’s Lucía R. (64’).
Venue: Ciudad Deportiva del Levante UD. Approximately 250 spectators. Matchday 28 of Liga F.
