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3-1 (3-2 agg.): Promotion!
RCD Espanyol Femení are promoted back to Liga F after winning the play-off final
RCD Espanyol Femení have been promoted to Liga F after their 3-1 win (3-2 on aggregate) in the second division play-off final second leg on Thursday.
After a narrow defeat in the first leg to CA Osasuna Femenino last week, the pericas returned to the Ciutat Esportiva Dani Jarque with work to do but backed by a sold out crowd. Juan Ignacio Ibarra’s side went for it from the first minute, Daniela Caracas hitting the crossbar in the opening stages.
Out of nowhere, Espanyol scored and equalised on aggregate. A goalkeeping mistake left Lice Chamorro only needing to connect with the ball and strike into an empty net, pulling the pericas back into the tie. Lice then picked up the ball on the edge of the box and slotted it through the keeper’s legs for her second of the night to draw Espanyol ahead.
Going into the break leading the tie, Espanyol gave themselves breathing space when Ana Hernández headed home for the third goal early into the second half. A three-goal lead on the day, and the Dani Jarque was in party mode. The Mágico had come out strong in the second leg and were being rewarded for their fluid football.
Osasuna pulled one back with a stunning strike in the final 10 minutes, making it a nervy end on the verge of sending the tie into extra time. But Espanyol stood strong, held on, and when the final whistle blew, the ground erupted amid joy and ecstacy.
Espanyol, one of the most historic and storied teams in national women’s football, are back where they belong. Espanyol Femení are back in Liga F!
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Match information:
RCD Espanyol Femení: Salvador, Simona, L. Vallejo, N. Opazo, J. Pablos (Aina, 81'), Ana Hdez., Lice (Barquero, 71'), Mar Torras, Carol (Núria M., 90), Guerra .
CA Osasuna Femenino: Maitane, Vera, Josune (Azpiazu, 82'), Celia, Carmen, Valero, Aitana, Iara (Miriam, 71'), Merche Izal, Yiyi (Elena, 59'), Alexia Jr (Guallar, 59')
Referee: Lorena del Mar Trujillano Gallardo
Bookings: Ana Hernández; Maitane
Goals: 1-0: Lice (19'); 2-0: Lice (37'); 3-0: Ana (53'); 3-1: Elena (84')
Attendance: sold out