Levante UD Women Achieves Remarkable Draw (1-1) at Johan Cruyff Stadium Against Barça
The Levante UD Women's team accomplished what many teams hadn't even dreamed of from afar for a long time. They couldn't defeat FC Barcelona, but they secured a valuable point, a result worth its weight in gold, platinum, and diamonds by drawing 1-1 against the super powerful team led by Jonatan Giráldez. Alba Redondo's goal restored the pride damaged in the cup tournament but still standing tall in the F League. The Barça squad took the lead, but the ones led by Sánchez Vera believed more than ever to achieve perhaps the great feat of the season. Let's see if someone else can do it.
The Granota team managed to come out unscathed from the first half, considering they went to the locker rooms with a 1-0 disadvantage, that is, alive for the resumption of the clash, against a rival with as much potential as the two-time Champions League winner. And, although the ball was almost entirely owned by the Culés, it is also true that it was quite contained by the Levante players in terms of goal opportunities. The only dangerous shot from Jonatan Giráldez's side was the goal, in a corner kick where Paralluelo opened up and took advantage of a very well-placed shot to the left post to beat Tarazona. The visitors were stretching, though with many difficulties and always without giving up their passing game, as the initial period progressed. Érika had the only chance, although her shot was off target, very forced by the defense. With this score, the first 45 minutes of play concluded.
Barcelona, unable to seal the match before halftime, came out forcefully in search of 2-0, with very clear chances for Graham or Palluelo. But Levante UD did not lose composure and, knowing that they would have few chances, perhaps only one, to inflict damage, they fully seized their opportunity to draw the match. In a great press in the opponent's third of the field, the Granota team recovered the ball, Érika filtered a spectacular pass to a brilliant Alba, and the Albacete native overcame Cata Coll's exit. To the disbelief of many present, the Levantinista team managed to equalize the contest. Later, they would make a few more approaches to the local area but without causing harm, while the defense and once again Andrea Tarazona multiplied on the visiting side. And they came out unscathed. Spectacular point earned at Johan Cruyff and an explosion of joy after the final whistle. Another classic.
MATCH DETAILS
FC Barcelona: Cata Coll; Bronze (Torrejón, 86’), Paredes, Engen (Pina, 74’), Ona Batlle; Patri Guijarro, Walsh, Aitana Bonmatí; Graham, Paralluelo (Vicky, 74’) y M. Caldentey (Martina, 86’)
Levante UD: Tarazona; Antonia S., M. Méndez, N. Mendoza, S. Lloris, Paula T.; L. Baños, P. Fernández, Daniela (Sosa Martín, 75’), Érika; y Redondo (Gabi Nunes, 90’).
Goals: 1-0, min. 21: Paralluelo. 1-1, min. 55: Alba Redondo.
Referee: Cuesta Arribas.
Incidents: Rescheduled Matchday 14 of the 2023-2024 F League. Johan Cruyff Stadium. 3,125 spectators.
