Rayo Vallecano v Womens A: Into the cup final (0-1)

The Barça ladies went to Madrid to defend a 2-1 lead, but it wasn’t easy against a Rayo side that had plenty of chances to get back level before Corredera grabbed a let winner. Athletic Bilbao now await the defending champions in the final in Ceuta on June 21.

Deadlock

Rayo started the game strong and came close through Priscila before the pace eased as the half grew older. But after 25 minutes, Rayo had two great chances, with Patri pouncing on a defensive mix-up but failing to convert, and then squandering another fine opportunity moments later. Otherwise, however, it was Barça who were enjoying as much of the possession as their hosts, but the Catalans were failing to turn that advantage into shots on goal.

Not until the 32nd minute did Xavi Llorens’ side have a serious attempt, but Willy’s effort went well wide of Alicia’s goal.

Corredera sentences

Rayo spent much of the second half with the ball under their control, and with away goals not counting, just one goal would have been enough to send the game into extra time. But Barça defended solidly, with Willy leading the occasional counter attack without fortune. After 72 minutes, Rayo enjoyed their finest chance yet, but Mendi’s header hit the crossbar.

Just four minutes after that close shave, Barça sentenced the tie thanks to a Marta Corredera chip. The goal knocked the wind out of the home side, and from there on it was plain sailing into the Spanish Cup Final, where Barça will meet Athletic Bilbao in the North African enclave of Ceuta on June 21.