TOO HARSH A PUNISHMENT

A poor start to the match by FC Badalona Women weighed heavily on them for much of the game, although their later reaction—bringing them level on the scoreboard—deserves recognition. Atlético de Madrid, for their part, came out highly focused, knowing that a win was crucial in their fight to qualify for the Champions League. Several turnovers by the home side led to the visitors’ first chances, and by the 24th minute they were already 0–2 up, with goals from Chinchilla.

ONA did not collapse; they improved, and just before halftime, a fine move saw Itzi pull one back. It was the Madrid player’s seventh goal, making her the team’s top scorer. After the break, Badalona showed their best form and were rewarded with Irina’s equalizer, making it 2–2.

The match became evenly balanced and entered its most entertaining phase until Atlético made two substitutions, strengthening their attack with quality players like Bartel and Luany—and it paid off. Two late goals from these players set the final score at 2–4, a margin that felt too wide for what the match actually was.