:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67579459/1278456608.jpg.5.jpg)
Sunday October 4, 2020; a historic day in women’s football, as Real Madrid Femenino made their Primera Iberdrola debut against none other than FC Barcelona. Despite the scoreline, the players showed that they had strong foundations and are tough to break down.
Player Ratings
Misa (#1): 6.75 - Have to give credit to Misa despite the scoreline. She kept her team in the game throughout the first half with countless saves and commanded her teammates well. It’s important to note that the first goal took a deflection and that the second was an own-goal.
Kenti Robles (#2): 7 - All over the pitch today. Dragged defenders across the box for the disallowed goal and drew the foul for Barça’s first yellow card, leading to a free-kick. Made herself part of the game in every way possible. One of the better players on the day.
Babett Peter (#4): 6 - Not a terrible performance from Peter. Sometimes left on her own at the back but partnered with Ivana well. Dipped in form in the second half, which in turn helped the visitors score their third and fourth goals.
Ivana (#15): 6.5 - Captained the team and showed her leadership tonight. Took it upon herself to help move play forward but that meant Barça had open space at the back. Important interceptions to keep the scoreline down, especially in the second half.
Marta Corredera (#17): 6.75 - Was a threat along the wings all game. Started off slow but grew into it once the team spread themselves out wide. Good ball control playing so close to the line.
Kaci (#6): 6.75 - Strong player throughout the entire match and came in with a game plan. Very physical and reliable in both defense and attack. Also had a shot on goal.
Teresa (#16): 6.5 - A bit quiet in the first half. Did well to drop back and help the team reset across the back. Had more of an attacking mindset in the second, linking well with Maite and Cardona. Decent performance.
Maite (#8): 6.5 - Decent game tonight in the midfield but nothing too outstanding. Played well in tight spaces and her footwork was strong. Helped dispossess Barça players and regain control for Madrid.
Olga (#7): 6 - A bit quiet — expected a bit more from her. Sometimes struggled to position herself alongside Asllani. Her first half free-kick attempt went into the keeper’s hands. Substituted after 70 mins.
Marta Cardona (#11): 6.5 - Another quiet player in the first half but came out with purpose in the second (especially after switching to the left). Lots of speed and almost went on a breakaway. Missed a big opportunity in the second.
Kosovare Asllani (#9): 6.75 - Took some time to get into her groove but eventually sniffed out a few opportunities for goal. Pounced on loose balls and was crucial in directing the team forward. Scored but the goal was disallowed. Subbed after 82 minutes.
Substitutes
Sofia Jakobsson (#10): 6.75 - Came in for Olga in the 70th minute and made an immediate impact on the game. She was not afraid to take on defenders and displayed her beautiful footwork and creativity. Orchestrated a handful of scoring opportunities for her teammates.
Lorena (#12): 6 - Handed the last few minutes of the match after coming on for Asllani in the 83rd minute and almost scored with one of her first touches. But couldn’t come up with anything else for the team.