Owusu leads Real Sociedad’s comeback in Madrid (2-3)
Unai Valverde
Updated on 09/06/2024 14:01 CEST
An incredible comeback by Real Sociedad in Fuenlabrada against a tough Madrid CFF team that dominated the first half but couldn’t stop the unexpected star of the match for Real: the blessed Jacqueline Owusu, who came on at halftime and everything went her way. The Real players overturned a 2-0 deficit with a brace from the Ghanaian and a penalty also won by her. With this victory, the txuri urdin team have secured the eighth spot in Liga F, skipping a round of the Copa de la Reina next season. They will close the season and Natalia Arroyo’s tenure, with nothing at stake, against Levante Las Planas at Zubieta next Saturday.
Natalia Arroyo, serving her second suspension, left the coaching duties to Eder Maestre and decided to keep Nerea Eizagirre, Bernabé, Emma, and a struggling Vanegas on the bench. Cecilia started again after scoring a free kick against Real Madrid.
The first half for Real was not good. Madrid CFF relentlessly searched for space with a powerful player like Gio, who was crucial. Real’s defense was a mess, with Lete having to come out to cover a long ball in just the second minute. Real also pressed and looked for their chances, but they were limited.
In the 20th minute, the home team took the lead with a poorly defended throw-in. Gio outmuscled Viles, found space, got into the box, and scored with a shot to the near post that Lete should have saved. Gio threatened again with a chance but missed an open goal without the goalkeeper after a poor Lete clearance. However, two minutes later, the Real goalkeeper made another mistake, and this time Gio scored into an empty net.
Better second half with an unexpected star
Arroyo replaced Jensen and Amaiur at halftime with Owusu and Nerea Eizagirre, which paid off as Real looked much better. The Ghanaian played as a forward and the team flowed more. In a lucky first action, Real reduced the deficit with Owusu’s first goal of the season, unintentionally after three rebounds and a shot from Nerea. The Ghanaian doubled her tally with the 2-2 equalizer in the 63rd minute. Madrid’s defense was caught out, and Franssi took advantage of a poor back pass to start a counterattack. Her shot hit the crossbar, and Owusu tapped in the rebound. She could have completed her hat-trick, but her forced shot was saved by the goalkeeper. However, she also won the controversial penalty in the 87th minute with an individual play. Nerea Eizagirre calmly converted the spot-kick to complete the comeback and give three points to Real.
Madrid CFF: Paola, Mónica, Laurita (Rodao, min. 90), Karen (Grace, min. 90), Aida (Librán, min. 70), Itzi, Camila, González, Gio, Luany (Pardo, min. 70), Villafañe.
Real Sociedad: Lete; Viles (Bernabé, min. 61), Etxezarreta, Apari, Izarne; Franssi (Mirari, min. 93), Iris, Andreia; Amaiur (Owusu, min. 46), Jensen (Nerea Eizagirre, min. 46), Cecilia (Emma, min. 61).
Goals: 1-0 Gio (min. 20); 2-0 Gio (min. 40); 2-1 Owusu (min. 47); 2-2 Owusu (min. 63); 2-3 Nerea Eizagirre from the penalty spot (min. 87).
Referee: González González (Galicia).
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