The Real Madrid team continues to follow in the footsteps of FC Barcelona’s leadership after securing three important points on their visit to San Mamés, where they came from behind to beat Athletic Club 2-1. This victory also helped Atlético Madrid reclaim the fiercely contested third position in the 2024-2025 F League by defeating Madrid CFF 3-0 in a derby match, both games being part of the twentieth round of the championship.
The most anticipated match of the weekend took place at ‘La Catedral,’ which was beautifully adorned to welcome the Madrid women’s team for the first time and to assist them in defending the valuable third place that secures entry into the next Champions League preliminary phase.
Despite an upcoming Copa de la Reina clash against FC Barcelona on Thursday, Real Madrid’s coach, Alberto Toril, did not make excessive changes to secure three crucial points. The match took an early turn when the home team, led by former Madrid player Nahikari García, scored a penalty to take the lead.
However, Real Madrid remained composed and managed to equalize before halftime, thanks to their strength in set pieces, with French central defender Mäelle Lakrar scoring from a header. The second half was intense, with both teams pushing for the winning goal. Eventually, the visitors clinched victory with a brilliant strike from Olga Carmona, who capitalized on a turnover and cleverly beat the goalkeeper with a precise shot.
This win puts Real Madrid five points behind FC Barcelona, who had a relatively easy time during their 8-1 victory over SD Eibar. The Barcelona team dominated the game with goals from Ewa Pajor, Caroline Graham Hansen, Vicky López, Patri Guijarro, Ona Batlle, Salma Paralluelo (2), and Claudia Pina.
The triumph at San Mamés brought about changes in the battle for the third spot, benefiting Atlético Madrid and the surprising Granada CF. Atlético broke their away winless streak by defeating Madrid CFF 3-0 with goals from Luany, Gaby García, and Gio Queiroz, securing a place in the Champions League positions.
Under Víctor Martín’s guidance, Atlético now leads Athletic Club by two points and Real Sociedad by four points. Real Sociedad faced a setback as they were held to a goalless draw by Sevilla FC. Granada CF, the next Copa opponent, secured a 3-1 victory against Real Betis after initially trailing in the derby match.
In the fight to avoid relegation, the bottom two teams, Valencia and Levante UD, exacerbated their situation by drawing 1-1 in the Mestalla derby, leaving them ten and four points adrift of safety, respectively. Another crucial match between RCD Espanyol and Deportivo ABANCA also ended in a 1-1 draw, with Espanyol maintaining a five-point cushion above the relegation zone, while Deportivo ABANCA continues their good form with a seven-point advantage.
FUENTE