Málaga CF Femenino defeated CFF Cáceres at home by 3-0 to reinforce their place at the top of Second Division Group IV. The visitors arrived in Cártama in fifth place, having had quite the notorious season, making them an opponent to be wary of and a demanding touchstone for the Blue and Whites.
The Spring weather was noticed on this Palm Sunday fixture, alternating between light showers and sunshine throughout the morning. The weather hadn’t made its mind up, but the Malaguistas made it very clear from the outset they would dominate play and didn’t hesitate to take an early lead. María Ruiz put the locals in front in minute 2, before some of the crowd had even sat down, paving the way for the remainder of play (1-0).
Barely 12 minutes later, with the Blue and Whites going all out on the attack, Encarni scored the second goal for the home side, converting a somewhat convoluted shot from inside the area (2-0, 14’). Antonio Contreras’ girls were completely controlling the match, with the visitors taking 35 minutes to have a shot at goal (blocked by Chelsea without any problems). At half-time the scoreboard showed 2-0.
In the second half, the tone of the match stayed exactly the same. Control of play belonged to the Blue and Whites, who didn’t hesitate to score the third, definitive goal. Meri, who had two good scoring chances at her feet in the first half, netted the goal by gaining possession following the keeper’s save and subsequent clearance (3-0, 54’).
The good news wasn’t just reflected in the result. In minute 78 of play, Aurora joined the game in place of Meri. The homegrown player returned to the pitch with the first team after her two-year ordeal overcoming a serious knee injury.
The 3-0 win keeps Málaga CF Femenino at the top of Segunda División Femenina Group IV with 62 points, and a +3 lead over their main follower, Granada CF Femenino.
Match stats
3- Málaga CF Femenino: Chelsea, Ruth, Postigo, Shiv, Encarni, Paula, Raquel, Meri, María R., Sheila and Adriana - starting 11 - Alba, Noelia, Karina, Farfán and Aurora.
0- CFF Cáceres: Tatiana, Selene, Yaye, Sata, Mª Luisa, Nerea, Mª Jesús, Marina, Marta, Elena and Elsa – starting 11 - Rosa, Mª Corbacho, Andrea and Ángela.
Goals: 1-0 (María Ruiz, 2’); 2-0 (Encarni, 14’); 3-0 (Meri 54’).
Information: Matchday 23 of Segunda División Femenina Group IV between Málaga CFF and CFF Cáceres. The match was held at Ciudad Deportiva de Cártama in front of some 200 spectators.