Report: Women's team still struggling in Europe | OneFootball

After the victory in Logroño, Atlético de Madrid Femenino returned to Alcalá de Henares to host Juventus in the third matchday of the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage. There was both a need and an obligation to secure all 3 points at home to stay alive in the competition.

Víctor Martín’s side lined up as follows: Lola Gallardo; Silvia Lloris, Lauren Leal, Carmen Menayo, Andrea Medina; Gaby García, Fiamma Benítez; Luany, Ana Vitoria, Synne Jensen; Amaiur Sarriegi. A powerful starting eleven chosen by the rojiblanco coach, keeping Amaiur as the starting center forward, and the spark of Luany on the right wing… or at least that was the plan at first, because Rosa Otermín had to come on for Synne Jensen after the Norwegian felt discomfort during the warm-up.

In the first half, the rojiblancas were rewarded with a penalty for handball in the 2nd minute. Unfortunately, and with some doubts as to whether it was a penalty or not, the referee decided not to award it… as usual. Juventus dominated possession at times and tried to pin Atleti back, who struggled to play the ball out from their own area. It wasn’t until the 42nd minute that the first goal of the match arrived, thanks to a good individual play between Fiamma and Amaiur, with the latter finishing it off. Despite this, in the final play of the half, from a set piece, the Turin side equalized. A cold shower, going into halftime with the score level.

At the start of the second half, the visitors scored their second goal with a cross from the wing that the Italians finished with ease to complete the comeback. Another blow just as the team was playing better, seeing their initial advantage slip away. Atleti responded with a left-footed shot from Rosa Otermín that forced former rojiblanca Peyraud-Magnin to make an extra effort. Julia Bartel and Vilde Bøe Risa came on for Ana Vitoria and Gaby García as Víctor Martín’s first substitutions. Lola Gallardo prevented a third goal with a good save and did the same shortly after to deflect another Juventus attempt for a corner. Xenia Pérez and Macarena Portales replaced Silvia Lloris and Rosa Otermín.

In a play with Bonansea, Andrea Medina came off worse and fell to the ground, needing medical attention, and was replaced by academy player Lydia. The team was not sharp in their passing, especially in the fluidity of ball circulation, which at times seemed out of sync with the situation the team was facing in the final stages of the match.

Julia Bartel tried her luck from the edge of the box with a well-placed shot that went over the opponent’s goal, and the referee blew the final whistle, leaving Atleti Femenino without a single point in another matchday of the top European women’s club competition.

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