Real Madrid 3-1 Valencia: Athenea Del Castillo seals win before PSG

Real Madrid picked up a hard-earned victory against Valencia at the Alfredo Di Stéfano on a night defined by heavy rotation and the prominent role of academy players. Pau Quesada's side, with one eye on their upcoming European debut against PSG, built the win on a dominant first half featuring stunning strikes from Elisa Senss and Felicia Schröder. Despite Valencia's second-half push and the nerves following the away goal, Athenea Del Castillo capped her return from injury with a spectacular 95th-minute goal to seal the 3-1 result.

• Elisa Senss and Felicia Schröder scored two brilliant goals within five minutes to put Madrid in control before the break.
• Valencia pulled one back through Marcano from a set piece and pushed until the final whistle.
• Athenea Del Castillo, making her return from a collarbone injury, sealed the win with a precise strike in the 95th minute.
• Pau Quesada rotated heavily, resting key players like Eva Navarro, Linda Caicedo and Levels ahead of the PSG match.
• 17-year-old Candela Rodríguez made her first-team debut.

Academy players take center stage in Real Madrid's lineup

The Alfredo Di Stéfano hosted a night of widespread rotations as the team looked ahead to their Champions League opener against Paris Saint-Germain. With several absences and high minutes on key legs, Pau Quesada turned to the academy and handed starts to young players Oihane San Martín, Claudia de la Cuerda and Noe Llamas, while established stars like Eva Navarro, Levels and Linda Caicedo were rested.

The positive news in the starting eleven was the return of Felicia Schröder after serving a two-match suspension, bringing her pace and goalscoring instinct back to the attack. Athenea Del Castillo and Sara Däbritz also returned to the squad, waiting for their chance from the bench.

Senss and Schröder punish Valencia's defensive plan in five minutes

Valencia set up with a low, compact block similar to the one Eibar used recently, completely ceding the initiative to the home side. For the first fifteen minutes, Madrid's dominance translated into over 80% possession but produced no clear chances. Tension rose in the 18th minute when Caruso called for a review after a heavy challenge from Nazaret Martín, which the referee deemed legal, much to the frustration of the home bench.

The match needed a spark and found one through Madrid's tactical play. In the 26th minute, Lineth Beerensteyn produced a brilliant piece of skill on the left, drawing three defenders before the rebound fell to Elisa Senss on the edge of the box. The midfielder connected with a thunderous left-footed strike to open her scoring account for Real Madrid. Five minutes later, Bella Andersson, playing as a makeshift left winger, delivered a pinpoint cross for Felicia Schröder to tap home and make it 2-0.

In the blink of an eye, Madrid transformed their sterile dominance into a two-goal lead, and Beerensteyn nearly added a third before the break. The home crowd, also celebrating the basketball team's European Super Cup, witnessed a perfect first half from an emergency lineup.

The maturity of academy players and Marcano's scare

Real Madrid came out after the break determined to kill the game off quickly. In the 48th minute, Felicia Schröder hit the post, and moments later Valencia responded with a fierce right-footed strike from Rebecca Elloh that crashed against the crossbar, though the play was ruled offside. With the game seemingly under control, Pau Quesada continued to manage minutes by introducing 17-year-old Candela Rodríguez for her first-team debut, while Eva Navarro and Andreia Jacinto replaced Schröder and Caruso.

Fatigue and lapses in concentration allowed Valencia to grow into the match as the second half progressed. In the 65th minute, a close-range effort from Pauleta deflected off Frohms and was cleared off the line by Maëlle Lakrar, who was captaining the side. The visitors' pressure paid off in the 69th minute when Marcano capitalized on poor defending from a set piece to make it 2-1 and ignite the tension at the Alfredo Di Stéfano.

Athenea Del Castillo's triumphant return seals it in the 95th minute

The final period became a test of resilience for a Real Madrid side feeling the effects of Valencia's push and their own missed chances. Beerensteyn saw a powerful header denied by a stunning save from Pinguet in the 86th minute. Just when the night looked most difficult and Valencia pressed for an equalizer, the most awaited hero emerged.

Athenea Del Castillo, back after recovering from a collarbone injury, collected the ball on the edge of the box in the final minute of added time and unleashed an unstoppable strike past the goalkeeper. Her stunning goal confirmed the 3-1 victory and sparked euphoria in Valdebebas, giving Real Madrid a massive boost of confidence ahead of their Champions League test.

What Real Madrid face against PSG in the Champions League

With their domestic duties fulfilled, Real Madrid now turn their full attention to the start of their European campaign. The clash against Paris Saint-Germain presents the first major test of the season for Pau Quesada's side, who will aim to compete eye-to-eye with one of the tournament favorites. The victory over Valencia, powered by academy talents and Athenea's scoring return, strengthens the team's belief heading into the continental showdown.

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