Granada Femenino started 2026 with an important home win over RCD Espanyol in Liga F. Two second-half goals made the difference in a close game.
Granada's women's team opened 2026 with their first win of the year, beating RCD Espanyol 2-0 in Liga F. The result leaves both clubs level on 16 points after the fifteenth matchday, keeping the race in the middle of the table very tight.
The match was decided by second-half goals from Ariadna Mingueza and substitute Vera Molina. Despite the defeat, Espanyol midfielder Cristina Baudet was named MVP for her strong all-round display.
The afternoon began with a moving moment on the pitch. Players and staff from both Granada and Espanyol held a minute of silence to honor Fernando Martín, coach of Valencia femenino B, and his three children. The stadium fell completely quiet as everyone paid respect to the family.
This tribute set a serious and respectful tone before the match started. Both teams then tried to switch focus back to football, but the emotion of the moment stayed with players and fans.
The first half was even, with both sides careful not to make early mistakes. Browne had the first good chance for Espanyol, but her shot went wide of the far post. It was a warning that the visitors could hit on the break.
Granada answered with a header from Lauri Requena after a cross from the left. Romane Salvador, Espanyol's goalkeeper, read the play well and caught the ball without trouble. Both teams later tried shots from distance, but none really tested the goalkeepers.
Defenses stayed on top for most of the opening 45 minutes. Granada tried to build longer attacks, while Espanyol looked for quick transitions. The half ended 0-0, with the game still open and tense.
After halftime, Espanyol changed their midfield to gain more control of the ball. The visitors pushed slightly higher, hoping to move the game closer to Granada's box. For a short spell, this gave Espanyol more passes and more time on the ball.
However, it was Granada who struck first. After a loose ball inside the area, Ariadna Mingueza reacted fastest and scored from close range. The play was briefly checked, but the goal was allowed to stand, giving Granada a 1-0 lead and lifting the home crowd.
The goal changed the rhythm of the match. Granada grew in confidence and pressed better, while Espanyol had to take more risks. Spaces started to appear on both wings, and the game opened up.
Chasing the equaliser, Espanyol stepped up their attacks. Cristina Baudet led many of their moves, often dropping deep to collect the ball and drive forward. Her best chance came with a powerful shot that beat the goalkeeper but hit the crossbar and bounced away.
Granada goalkeeper Chika Hirao was key in this period. She made several important saves, including one low stop after a shot through a crowd of players. Her calm handling helped her team manage the pressure.
In the closing minutes, Granada found the second goal that decided the match. Vera Molina, who had come on from the bench, took advantage of another attack and finished well to make it 2-0. The late strike ended Espanyol's hopes and confirmed a strong start to the year for Granada.
With this win, Granada and Espanyol now both sit on 16 points in Liga F. For Granada, the victory brings confidence for the next fixtures. For Espanyol, the performance showed effort and quality, but also the need to be more clinical in front of goal.
