Real Madrid gains the upper hand in the first leg of the Women’s Champions League playoff

Real Madrid defeated Paris FC 2-3 in the first leg of the playoff for access to the quarterfinals of the Women’s Champions League, which took place at Stade Charléty. The home side took the lead with a goal from Korošec in the 11th minute. Our team grew stronger as time went on and found the equalizer through Weir (39'). Before halftime, Athenea, playing her 200th match as a madridista, made it 1-2. In the second half, Linda C. scored the 1-3 in the 83rd minute. Paris reduced the deficit in the 89th minute through Mendy.

The match began with an initial period of probing. Real Madrid attempted to create danger through quick transitions, but it was Paris FC who took the lead through Korošec (11'). Pau Quesada's side pushed forward, dominated possession, and gained depth, pinning the opponent in their own half. In the 25th minute, an opportunity for an equalizer came from a cross by Athenea that Weir narrowly missed.

Athenea scores in her 200th match
The team's persistence paid off before the break. Weir capitalized on the rebound from a long-range shot by Däbritz that hit the post to level the score at 1-1 (39'). Our team did not settle for the draw and, six minutes later, completed a blistering counterattack with a cross-shot finish from Athenea, playing her 200th match for Real Madrid, to make it 1-2 (45').

After the restart, the pace remained high. Athenea had the chance to score a brace in the 54th minute, but her shot went wide. The home side sought to equalize, but the madridistas defended well and capitalized on the space to extend their advantage. In the 83rd minute, a superb delivery from Misa from her own half found Linda C., who outpaced her marker and finished inside the box to score the 1-3. In the 89th minute, Mendy reduced the deficit for Paris FC. The score remained unchanged, and Real Madrid secured a hard-fought away victory in the tie, which will be decided on Wednesday, February 18th at the Alfredo Di Stéfano stadium. 

TECHNICAL DATA
2-Paris FC: Chavas, N’Dongala (Haheim, 83'), Hocine, Greboval, Bogaert, Picard (Mendy, 71’), Korošec, Garbino (Liaigre, 59’), Le Moguedec, Mateo, and Azzaro (Jedlinska, 72’).
3-Real Madrid: Misa, Eva Navarro, M. Méndez, Lakrar, Yasmim, Weir (Toletti, 71’), Däbritz, Angeldahl, Athenea, Linda C., and Feller.

Goals
1-0 (min.11): Korošec.
1-1 (min. 39): Weir.
1-2 (min. 45+): Athenea.
1-3 (min. 83): Linda C.
2-3 (min. 89): Mendy.

Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.