Atlético Madrid v FC Barcelona Women: Still top after stalemate (1-1)

FC Barcelona draw 1-1 with Atlético Madrid in a match between the top two sides in league. The result means they are both on 19 points but Fran Sánchez’s Barça side are top because of a superior goal difference. The league champions faced the cup holders in a match which was decided by goals from Andressa Alves and Kenti.

The game started with a real intensity as both sides looked to control the tempo. The home team threatened first through Ludmila and Amanda, but Paños, who played well in goal, snuffed out any threats. Slowly, the blaugranas started to control possession and they began to threaten.

Andressa gives Barça lead

A great individual move from Duggan was the first chance Barça had but her effort was saved by Gallardo. Not long after, a poor clearance fell to Andressa Alves who took possession in the box and rifled the ball past Lola Gallardo in a one on one in the 26th minute. Barça’s opener led to Atlético responding strongly. However, they were thwarted by a strong blaugrana defensive effort and a lack of possession. Fran Sánchez’s team finished the half with a 1-0 lead.

In the second half, Atlético continued to push for an equaliser as they threatened Sandra Paños’ goal. They got their rewards as the home side scored through Kenti with a great volley from outside the box in the 63rd minute.

The goal gave them confidence and they had two clear chance which both Sonia and Ludmila hitting the crossbar. The blaugranas responded through an effort from Andressa Alves in the 70th minute and a shot from the edge of the box from Martens in the 77th.

The match got more complicated for Fran Sánchez’s side as Vicky Losada received her second yellow of the match with ten minutes of normal time to go. The blaugranas coped well in defence with ten men for the rest of the match and went home with a valuable point from the top of the table clash. Barça are still top of the table with 19 points from a possible 21, the same as Atlético who have an inferior goal difference.