Report: Holding firm to win before the league kicks off | OneFootball

The Atlético de Madrid Women's team faced Benfica in their last preseason friendly, with the V Ciudad de Alcalá Trophy at stake. In front of Víctor Martín's team was a formidable opponent, a team that has been dominating in Portugal and was going to be a litmus test before the start of the Liga F, and it was evident from the start.

The day brought the positive news of Carmen Menayo's return, who after her serious injury, was back in the squad. Meanwhile, Rosa Otermín, with a myofascial injury in her left rectus femoris, and Lola Gallardo, after suffering a concussion, were the absentees for the last preseason friendly. Therefore, Patricia Larqué was going to be the goalkeeper on a day with the supposed starters. It was a hesitant start for the "colchoneras," as they saw Benfica take the lead through Marit. It wasn't until the hydration break that the "colchonero" team managed to settle on the field. The team improved with adjustments and went into halftime trailing by the minimum.

Resistance and Persistence to Win

The second half began with a good reaction from the "rojiblancas." It was from a corner and after a second play when Jensen sent the ball to the far post, Amaiur headed it to the small area, and Lauren Leal finished it to equalize. A goal of never giving up. After that, Menayo reappeared alongside Ana Vitória and Maca, replacing Lauren Leal, Fiamma, and Luany. The Atlético Women's team held firm against Benfica, and Víctor Martín continued experimenting. Sheila and Alexia came in for Jensen and Lloris. But right after, Benfica took the lead again thanks to Gasper's goal.

Everything seemed against them, with fifteen minutes left. The team went all out, with the entry of the young Miñambres, and in the final stretch, Medina took advantage of a rebound in the area to equalize again. With this two-all draw and no extra time to be played, the V Ciudad de Alcalá Tournament went to a penalty shootout.

From the penalty spot, the goal was not to miss. The Atlético Women's team, through Menayo, took the lead and saw Christy miss for Benfica. The second, Gaby and Neide scored from the spot, and the "colchonero" team remained ahead (2-1). Bøe Risa scored a fantastic goal, and Martín Prieto hit the post (3-1), leaving everything in favor of the "colchoneras." And the young Miñambres, with a precise penalty, gave the victory to the "colchonero" team.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.