Levante UD Secures a Triumph (0-1) with Grit and Tactical Rigor at Atlético
Three crucial points. There's no other way to describe what Levante UD achieved against Atlético de Madrid at the Wanda Alcalá de Henares Sports Center (0-1). The weight of the loot captured on Atletico's turf is extremely high, but it would be unfair not to appreciate the grit, discipline, and tactical rigor shown by Sánchez Vera's players in Madrid. The reward for this magnificent performance was Gabi Nunes' goal in the final stretch of the first half. Another goal from the Brazilian, a triumph of collective football, once again goes to our Granota squad.
The Levante team successfully navigated through the first half, where the opposing team was expected to come out strong, supposedly remembering the Supercopa semifinal. Indeed, the team led by Manolo Cano gained control of the match until its midpoint. Although it was correctly held back in its intentions by the Granotas, the attacks of Ajibade and Sheila Guijarro were causing trouble in the vicinity of Andrea Tarazona's goal. A cross from the latter almost found the head of the Nigerian, but Silvia Lloris, always sticking to her opponents like glue, cleared the danger with a last-minute header. The African also tried her luck with a curled shot from afar that hit the top of the net of the visitor's goal. On the other side of the field, the biggest threat was a crossed shot from the edge of the area that went wide left of Lola Gallardo's goal. Levante UD knew it couldn't increase the pace too much to avoid falling victim to the verticality of the Madrid players, so they waited for their best chance. In the 41st minute, an overhit cross from the right found Gabi Nunes' forehead, who soared to the heavens to head the ball and put it into Atletico's goal. The most difficult part had been achieved, and the outcome, although at times uncertain, was left to the second half.
The second half was an exercise in resistance and mental strength, but also in carrying out Levante UD's established plan. Atlético pushed hard to at least rescue a point and caused a scare on more than one occasion for Sánchez Vera's team, with a couple of shots hitting the woodwork and a Tarazona save just minutes before the end of regulation time. The Granotas resisted, convinced, and triumphed. Three crucial points return to Valencia.
MATCH DETAILS.
Atlético de Madrid: Lola Gallardo; Moraza, Cinta R., Menayo, Medina (Shei García, 46’); Banini (Eva Navarro, 46’), Gaby G., Boe Risa (Lucía Moral, 80’), M. Cardona (Ana Vitória, 65’); Ajibade and Sheila (Ludmila, 65’).
Levante UD: Tarazona; S. Lloris (María Gabaldón, 85’), M. Méndez, N. Mendoza, Paula T.; L. Baños, P. Fernández, Sosa Martín, Andonova (Daniela, 75’); Redondo (Estela, 95’) and Gabi Nunes (Érika, 95’).
Goals: 0-1, min. 41: Gabi Nunes.
Referee: Peñalber Pearce. Booked, for Atlético de Madrid, Medina (34’) and for Levante players, xxxxx.
Incidents: Wanda Metropolitano Sports Center. Around 1,500 spectators. Matchday 16 of the Liga F. Players from both teams wore a green armband for World Cancer Day.
