Real Madrid Women's Football Team pulled off a stunning comeback on December 14, defeating Deportivo ABANCA 4-1 on matchday 13 of Liga F. After struggling through the first half, where Deportivo took the lead, Los Blancas turned the tide late to secure their victory.
The match, held at the Abanca-Riazor Stadium, kicked off with both teams eager to make their mark. While Real Madrid controlled possession for significant stretches, it was Deportivo who struck first. The opening goal came surprisingly at the 36-minute mark. After some strong pressure, Ainhoa managed to outplay Olga on the right flank. She sent the ball to Barbara Latorre, whose shot was saved by Real Madrid's goalkeeper Misa, only for Francisca Lara to capitalize on the rebound and put Deportivo ABANCA up 1-0.
While Real Madrid dominated possession and played most of the match deep within Deportivo’s defensive third, they lacked cohesion and sharpness upfront during the first half. Out of seven total shots, only one reached the target. Athenea's attempts early on didn’t yield results, leaving the Madridistas frustrated for much of the first half. An atmosphere of anxiety loomed as they headed to halftime trailing.
The second half began with Deportivo maintaining their spirited approach, nearly scoring again within the first 15 minutes. Despite the pressure, they failed to convert their chances, demonstrating the ups and downs of their season so far. Deportivo, which finds itself second to last on the table, came out on the attack, demonstrating why they are not to be underestimated.
Real Madrid was quick to switch gears after Coach Alberto Toril made four swift substitutions at the 60-minute mark. This included bringing on key players like Caroline Weir and Angeldahl, who revitalized the team’s playstyle and created more chances. The change paid off when they finally broke through Deportivo's defense, tying the game at 1-1 with Olga Carmona netting the equalizer at the 79th minute. Following some quick passing from Weir and Linda, Carmona launched a powerful shot from outside the box, leaving Deportivo’s goalkeeper Pereira no chance to save it.
Just six minutes after leveling the score, Real Madrid showed their resilience and quickly took the lead. A glorious cross from Angeldahl found Alba Redondo, who expertly headed it home, marking the score at 2-1. The second goal catalyzed Real Madrid’s momentum, turning them from underwhelming and predictable to dynamic and dangerous.
Not willing to settle, Madrid continued pressing. Only minutes later, at the 89th minute, María Méndez headed another goal following a corner taken by Weir, extending the lead to 3-1. The relentless attacks mirrored the Madrid character and propelled them toward victory.
The final blow came at the dying minutes of the match, with Signe Bruun sealing the victory with yet another goal, sending the final scoreline to 4-1 after fending off multiple defenders and remaining composed to finish the move started by Feller. This match showcased the depth and versatility of the Real Madrid lineup, culminating successfully as the game came to its conclusion.
After this emphatic win, Real Madrid’s position solidified. They now sit comfortably in second place, three points clear of their city rivals, Atletico Madrid, with two games still to play. Coach Toril praised his team's resilience: "We showed character and depth, adapting to the match's challenges after the substitutions made the difference. It’s great to finish the year strong with such performances." The result serves as proof of Real Madrid's upward momentum as they gear up for upcoming matches.
Meanwhile, Deportivo ABANCA, now with only six points from their twelve matches, faces mounting pressure as they struggle to lift themselves off the bottom rank. They need immediate changes to revive their squad and improve results if they hope to escape relegation. Their performance against Madrid, especially early on, suggests potential, but they must turn those moments of promise and energy consistently through the season.
Overall, the match reflected the competitive spirit of the Liga F, showcasing the unpredictability and drama typical of women’s football. Fans can look forward to seeing how both teams develop with the new year approaching, as Real Madrid keeps their focus on climbing the league steadily.
