REAL MADRID
Caicedo scores first Real Madrid goal to earn Copa semi-final spot
Appearing as a second-half substitute, Linda Caicedo netted an extra-time winner against Villarreal as Madrid reached the Copa de la Reina semis.
Linda Caicedo scored her first goal for Real Madrid on Thursday, the 18-year-old’s extra-time strike against Villarreal sending her new team into the Copa de la Reina semi-finals.
Brought on midway through the second half for her second Madrid appearance, an impressive Caicedo buried the first clear opportunity that came her way to earn a deserved 2-1 victory for Alberto Toril’s side.
Caicedo connects with Svava cross to earn Real Madrid win
Caicedo looks to have developed a quick understanding with Caroline Weir, who put in a player-of-the-match performance in Vila-Real. The Colombian and the Scot combined to great effect in the final third, opening up the hosts’ defence every time they linked up with interchanges of short-range passing.
Caicedo’s goal arrived in the 100th minute, and was the culmination of a fine attacking move by Madrid. Released by Maite Oroz’s pinpoint through ball, full-back Sofie Svava burst past her marker to drive to the byline, before firing the ball across goal for the recent signing to turn home at the near post.
Watch Caicedo’s first goal for Real Madrid:
Esther opener cancelled out by Andrés own goal
Earlier, Madrid had taken the lead just after the half-hour mark, Esther González netting the rebound after Teresa Abelleira’s shot had been parried by Villarreal goalkeeper Elena de Toro.
Despite the visitors largely dominating Thursday’s quarter-final tie, Villarreal forced extra time late on in the second half, the home side levelling when Ivana Andrés turned into her own net.
Semi-finals and finals set for May
Madrid join Alhama, Atlético Madrid and Athletic Club in the Copa semi-finals, which are to be played on 23 May, five days before the final.