Real Madrid beat Villarreal at the José Manuel Llaneza and qualified for the semifinals of the Copa de la Reina. The Whites took the lead in the first half thanks to a goal by Esther, but the home side equalized in the 77th minute. In extra time, Real Madrid's new signing, Linda Caicedo, scored Madrid's second to clinch the win for Toril's side. Real Madrid have booked their spot in the Final Four of the competition, which will be played in the week of May 24 at a venue yet to be announced. Possible opponents are Alhama, Atlético de Madrid and Athletic Club.
Madrid started the match dominating possession and the offensive play. Esther came close to scoring the first goal after receiving a good long pass from Claudia F. in the box, but the rival goalkeeper blocked the one-on-one (13'). Although Villarreal increased the pressure in search of a goal, it was Esther who found the net on the half-hour mark. Teresa tried her luck from outside the area with a shot that hit the woodwork and Esther deftly took advantage of the rebound to make it 0-1.
After the break, our team continued to dominate in attack and generated numerous scoring chances. However, in the 77th minute, Ivana put the ball past Misa in an attempt to clear a cross from F. Lara. The madridistas were struggling to regain the lead as Weir came close in the closing stages with a shot that went just over the crossbar. Linda and Athenea also had their chances, but the game ended up going into extra time.
Linda C. clinches the win
In the first half of extra time, Linda quickly tested Elena del Toro with a long-range shot that the home keeper saved. But after ten minutes, Real Madrid's latest signing did find the net. Svava made her way to the byline and played the ball back to the Colombian striker, who scored her first goal with a one-touch finish. The score remained 2-1 and Toril's team booked their place in the Final Four of the Copa de la Reina.
Video.1-2: A win in extra time and a place in the Queen's Cup semifinals
MATCH INFO
1-Villarreal: Elena del Toro, C. Cubedo (Giménez, 59'), I. Miguélez, Cienfu, Belén (Vera Rico, 75'), Estefa, M. Llompart (Pilar García, 46'), Nerea (Lucía R., 94'), F. Lara, Rueda (Sheila, 59') and Lara Mata (Soldevila, 46').
2-Real Madrid: Misa, K. Robles, Teresa (Nahikari, 91'), Ivana, Olga (Linda C., 67'), Esther (Feller, 74'), Weir, Claudia F., Zornoza (Toletti, 67'), Athenea (M. Oroz, 91') and Svava.
Goals
0-1 (min. 34): Esther.
1-1 (min. 77): Ivana, own goal.
1-2 (min. 100): Linda C.
