Las Blancas defeated in El Derbi Madrileño 2-0

Real Madrid Femenino were defeated 2-0 in El Derbi Madrileño. Las Blancas found success in Europe against Manchester City but have struggled in Spain, losing their first two matches of the league season to Levante and Atletico de Madrid.

Esther Gonzalez created the first opportunity of the match. In the second minute, she received the ball at the top of the box and drove into the area. Esther fired over the top corner of the bar from a tight angle.

Two crucial mistakes on the other end would see Las Blancas hand the opposition a fourth minute goal for the second consecutive league match. Ivana Andres was knocked off the ball by Ajibade, who carried the ball toward goal. The defense recovered quickly to slow her but she dropped her pass to Barbara. The midfielder crossed into the box and Kenti Robles headed it to the feet of Deyna Castellanos. She accepted the gift and side-footed Atleti into the lead.

Bad giveaways was the theme of the half for Las Blancas. Real Madrid repeatedly gave the ball away in midfield and allowed Atleti to run at their back line in transition. In the 39th minute, Kaci’s attempted back pass was picked off by Ajibade. Ivana Andres was forced into a heroic tackle, preventing Atleti from doubling their lead.

Las Blancas’ main protagonist throughout the first half was Esther. She dropped deep to help facilitate possession and kept popping up in the 18-yard box. She had her well-struck volley saved in the 16th minute and played an integral role in creating a half-chance for Kenti Robles in the 36th minute.

Kosovare Asllani came on for Real Madrid to start the second half and her impact was felt instantly in the attack and in midfield. But the defense still struggled. Babett Peter gave the ball away to Thembi Kgatlana. Ivana Andres made a sliding challenge to prevent a shot from close distance. Peter was positioned well in the 53rd minute and cleared what would’ve been a sure goal for Las Rojiblancas.

Las Blancas searched for an equalizer through Athenea del Castillo, Asllani and Esther. They pushed numbers forward but left space to be exploited at the back. Kgatalana caused the Real Madrid defense a lot of trouble but it was Estefania Banini who doubled Atleti’s lead.

Las Rojiblancas counter attacked at pace in the 69th minute. Real Madrid was completely caught out in transition and the defense collapsed in on itself. This left Banini unmarked down the left. She received the ball in the box and flicked her shot past Misa.

Misa made a great one versus one save to deny Kgatlana, who was played through in transition again. Las Blancas were unable to test Hedvig Lindahl as time ticked away and the match ended 2-0 in favor of Atleti.

Las Blancas continue their tough start to the Primera Iberdrola campaign as they travel to Tenerife Sunday, Sep. 26.