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1-0: Espanyol secure their Liga F survival

Espanyol secure another season in the top flight after a match controlled from start to finish

On the anniversary of the club’s first women’s football title, the Copa Pernod, and with the chance to mathematically secure their Liga F status, Espanyol took to the pitch with a clear objective: to take the lead as early as possible.

Naima threatened early with a long-range effort inside the opening five minutes, which was saved by the visiting goalkeeper. Browne and Ainoa also tried their luck with two headers that went wide. As the minutes passed, Espanyol grew stronger and, eventually, Naima produced a stunning Olympic goal to give the hosts a deserved lead. Just before half-time, Meri denied the equaliser with an excellent save.

Right after the restart, Espanyol appealed for a penalty on Browne, but following a VAR review, the referee waved play on. With few clear chances and fatigue beginning to show, Sara Monforte introduced Lucía Vallejo and Cristina Baudet in search of a second goal, while Levante were repeatedly denied by a solid Meri Muñoz in goal.

Despite nine minutes of added time, Espanyol’s strong defensive performance secured another victory, allowing them to mathematically confirm their Liga F survival as early as March.