Valencia CF Femenino celebrated a much-needed victory over Madrid CFF on March 23, 2025, with a resounding scoreline of 4-1 at the Antonio Puchades Stadium. This critical win marks Valencia's second consecutive triumph and provides a glimmer of hope as they fight to avoid relegation from the top tier of women's football.
On a day that showcased their offensive prowess, Valencia began strong but initially struggled to convert opportunities into goals. After dominating possession and establishing a firm grip on the match, it wasn't until the 40th minute when the breakthrough came. Aida scored the opening goal with a powerful left-footed strike that ricocheted off the left post, sending the home fans into a frenzy.
Just before halftime, Marina extended the lead to 2-0, showcasing her skill with a fine finish following a well-executed counterattack. The assist came from Aida, who not only scored the first goal but also proved to be a pivotal force throughout the match. Valuing their stronger position in the second half, Valencia returned with the same vigor.
Only five minutes into the second half, Ainhoa added a third goal from the penalty spot after being fouled inside the box. This effectively put the match out of reach for the visitors. The Valencia side continued to attack, and in the 55th minute, Marta Carro capped off a fantastic team performance, rising to meet a pinpoint cross from Aida and glancing it into the net, making it 4-0.
Despite the hefty scoreline against them, Madrid CFF managed to break through Valencia’s formidable defense. Nautnes scored the only consolation goal for the visitors in the 57th minute, but it was little more than a footnote in what was otherwise a dismal day for the Madrid side.
Throughout the match, Valencia's defense proved critical, particularly as they pressured Madrid into demoralized play resulting in minimal threats. Coach Cristian Toro’s strategy of high pressing paid dividends as they consistently retrieved possession and restricted Madrid's offensive play, allowing for several counterattacks of their own. The visitors, clearly grappled by their own constraints, found it difficult to create substantial scoring opportunities.
Cristian Toro highlighted the significance of this victory. "Winning was a condition sine qua non for us to maintain hopes of staying in the top tier," he said, echoing the sentiments of the team as they now sit at 14 points, still six away from safety.
This win highlights Valencia's potential as they strive to improve their league standing and ultimately avoid relegation in the current season. They will need to continue this momentum in upcoming matches, especially against teams higher up the table where points are crucial.
The Valencia CF Femenino’s performance against Madrid CFF showcased their resilience, determination, and attacking capabilities. With Aida leading the charge, they not only amassed crucial points but also instilled a renewed faith among fans that their fight for survival is far from over. Staying competitive will be their mandate goes forward, but with today's display, the team appears to be rising to the occasion.
As the league continues, Valencia will seek to build on this victory, facing significant challenges ahead in their quest for survival. The passionate support of their home crowd and the collective spirit of the squad will be crucial as they endeavor to convert their play into a successful run for relegation survival. Hope, indeed, shines through for the team, as they march forward with a fresh sense of belief and determination.
