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0-1: Femení defeated in season opener
RCD Espanyol edged out in first Primera RFEF game
RCD Espanyol Femení were beaten 1-0 by Fundación Albacete Femenino on Saturday.
Espanyol started the new season at home at the Ciutat Esportiva Dani Jarque, coinciding with the 21st anniversary of its inauguration. Albacete were the visitors for the Primera RFEF opener as the hosts looked to start strong in their first fixture.
Debutant Emily Dolan was forced into a very early save, doing well to push it over the bar from close range. Espanyol would take time to settle into the game, while the visitors found space in behind and looked threatening.
Albacete took the lead just short of half-time with a free kick from distance. Laura González caught the keeper off her line and guided it into the top corner, transforming the dynamic of the match right before the break.
Following the restart Pixu had a great double chance to draw Espanyol level, the second of which came on the break and saw her near-post header flash just wide.
Espanyol dominated the second half which culminated in a late burst of efforts. Núria Martínez could not get enough to divert an inswinging free-kick and Judit Pablos’ snap shot came close, but it was not enough as they succumbed to defeat on the opening day.
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Match information
RCD Espanyol Femení: Dolan, Corral (Natalia Fernández 62’), Núria Martínez, N. Opazo (Nora 73’), C. Baudet, Pixu (J. Pablos 73’), Chini, Luzu, Carol Marín, Villegas, Guerra (Sara 73’).
Fundación Albacete: Sánchez, Nerea, S. Medina (Padilla 78’), Cintia, C. Bautista (Riu 72’), Celia Gómez (A. Blanco 78’), Herrero, Nata, Elena (Zafra 90’), Laura G., Sara.
Referee: Andrea López Méndez
Goals: Laura G. 41’ (0-1).
Bookings: Nata 35’, Elena 64’.
Attendance: Approx. 300