Real Madrid secured a 3-2 victory against FC Twente, ending a six-game losing streak on the road in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. However, defensive issues on set-pieces persisted, forcing Las Blancas to grind out the win.
Coach Alberto Toril rotated his lineup, bringing in Shei Garcia and RocÃo Gálvez in defense, with Signe Bruun and Linda Caicedo leading the attack. Sandie Toletti made her first start since returning from injury, while Toril maintained his streak of not starting the same striker in consecutive games this season.
FC Twente’s intense pressing and Real Madrid’s poor off-ball structure caused problems, allowing the Dutch side to dominate early. In the 29th minute, Alieke Tuin’s free-kick delivery found Jaimy Ravensbergen unmarked at the far post, giving Twente a deserved lead after sustained possession.
Madrid struggled in midfield, with Toletti and Leupolz unable to find synergy, leaving gaps for Twente to exploit. On the attack, Madrid primarily relied on Linda Caicedo down the left. The Colombian equalized before halftime after a blocked shot fell to her, finishing a sequence she had started herself with Olga.
Caicedo’s dynamism shone in an otherwise disjointed Madrid attack. In the 71st minute, she drove down the right and delivered a low cross for Signe Bruun, who struck powerfully from 10 yards to put Madrid ahead. Substitute Alba Redondo sealed the win in injury time, racing behind the defense to score Madrid’s third with a composed 1v1 finish.
Twente’s Sophie Te Brake pulled one back late with a stunning long-range strike set up by Amanda Andradottir, who was a constant threat throughout the game with her dribbling and creativity.
Maëlle Lakrar stood out in defense for Madrid, making key clearances, interceptions, and a crucial block to deny Twente’s equalizer, while her ball-carrying helped Madrid escape Twente’s high press.
