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3-2: Defeat at the Joan Gamper
RCD Espanyol Femení cannot hold on as they are defeated by FC Barcelona B Femení
RCD Espanyol Femení lost 3-2 away to FC Barcelona B Femení on Sunday.
Taking on the leaders across town at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, Carol Miranda’s side needed a win to keep their play-off hopes alive. The pericos were straight out of the blocks playing with confidence, and it would not be long before they took the lead thanks to Judit Pablos’ header.
With the advantage and momentum, Espanyol took the match to Barça and forced them into errors. That led to a second goal for the visitors; captain Cristina Baudet drove through the defence and fired it into the bottom corner to extend their lead in style.
Barça would pull one back through Ari Arias in stoppage time at the end of the first half, though Espanyol remained ahead going into the break. However, the second half would see the hosts coming out stronger and looking to turn it around, making two changes at half-time and completely dominating possession at the Joan Gamper.
Having resisted them for as long as they could, Barça got back on level terms in the 65th minute with a free kick from Ari Mingueza. Two minutes later and they completed the comeback, when Arias scored her second of the afternoon past María Pi.
Espanyol had it all to do in the final quarter of the match, but they could not capitalise on their chances on goal. The Femení fell to a disappointing defeat to their cross-city rivals, missing out on a golden opportunity to move closer to the play-offs.
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Match information
FC Barcelona B Femení: T. Font, Martina, M. Pérez, Adriana Ranera (Lucia 46’), Judit, N. Bezis (Clara 46’), A. Caño (Dragoni 58’), A. Mingueza, L. Martret (Aïcha Camara 90+3’), Ari Arias (Ari Sánchez 90’), J. Bartel
RCD Espanyol Femení: Maria Pi, Caracas, Nuria Martínez, Guerra, Luzu (A. Cano 74’), C. Baudet, N. Opazo (Pixu 87’), Carol Marín (Aina Torres 74’), A. Martín (Mellado 59’), J. Pablos, Chini
Referee: Melissa López Osario
Goals: 0-1 Judit Pablos 18’, 0-2 C. Baudet 34’, 1-2 Ari Arias 45+3’; 2-2 A. Mingueza 65’, 3-2 Ari Arias 67’
Bookings: N. Opazo 65’