Match Report
This wasn’t a contest; it was a first-half execution. Real Madrid traveled to Ciudad Deportiva del Granada and systematically dismantled their hosts before the halftime whistle had even sounded, securing a clinical 0-3 victory that was as professional as it was ruthless. The main storyline wasn’t one of back-and-forth drama, but of a title-contending giant swatting away a struggling side with terrifying efficiency.
All three goals arrived in a devastating 19-minute spell at the end of the first period, with an Alba Redondo double putting a final, emphatic stamp on proceedings. It was a harsh lesson for Granada in the chasm that exists at the top of the Primera División Femenina. For Real Madrid, it was another day at the office, a powerful statement that keeps them firmly in the hunt for European glory and domestic supremacy.
First-Half Overview
From the opening kick, the tactical disparity was clear. Real Madrid W established immediate control, pinning Granada deep inside their own half with a high press and fluid ball circulation. While Granada attempted to stay compact, Madrid’s intelligence in movement, particularly from Athenea del Castillo on the wing, created constant overloads. For thirty minutes, Granada held on, defending desperately as Madrid probed for an opening. The pressure, however, was relentless and felt destined to break the dam.
That moment arrived on the half-hour mark. A slick move down the right flank saw Del Castillo isolate her marker before delivering a pinpoint pass into the path of Paula Comendador, who made no mistake with a composed finish. It was a classic example of Madrid’s patience paying off. The goal visibly deflated Granada, and Madrid, sensing blood in the water, went for the kill. Just before the break, in the 44th minute, the lead was doubled.
A beautifully weighted through ball from the ever-composed Sara Dabritz split the Granada defence, and Alba Redondo timed her run to perfection, coolly slotting home. The game was slipping away from the hosts at an alarming rate. The final, decisive blow came in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Redondo, a true poacher, found herself in the right place at the right time following a goalmouth scramble, tapping in from close range to make it 3-0. The referee’s whistle for halftime felt more like a mercy ruling.
Second Half Overview
The second half was an exercise in pure game management from Real Madrid. With a three-goal cushion, manager Alberto Toril made immediate changes, withdrawing goalscorers Redondo and Dabritz. This wasn’t a sign of complacency but of tactical maturity; the job was done, and key players needed to be preserved for tougher challenges ahead. I was struck by this decision, as it demonstrated a long-term vision that prioritises the season’s marathon over a single 90-minute sprint. Granada, to their credit, showed more fight after the restart, but they were chasing shadows against a team content to control possession and deny them any space to operate.
Frustration began to creep into Granada’s play, culminating in a yellow card for Leles in the 59th minute for a cynical foul. Both coaches then rang the changes, with a flurry of substitutions between the 64th and 87th minutes disrupting any semblance of rhythm. Caroline Weir’s introduction for Madrid was a particularly luxurious one, bringing a world-class operator into a game that was already won. The match became scrappy, punctuated by late yellow cards for Madrid’s Comendador and Eva Navarro, as well as Granada’s B. Munoz, but the result was never in doubt. Real Madrid didn’t need to find a higher gear because they had already lapped their opponent in the first 45 minutes.
Player Performances and Match Impact
While the entire Real Madrid collective was superb, Alba Redondo was the clear standout and Player of the Match. Her two goals were a showcase of elite centre-forward play: one a demonstration of intelligent movement and clinical finishing, the other a reward for pure predatory instinct. She was the decisive force that turned Madrid’s dominance into an unassailable lead. Elsewhere, Athenea del Castillo was a constant menace, providing the assist for the opener and terrorising the Granada backline throughout the first half.
For Granada, it was a difficult afternoon with few positives, as their defensive structure simply could not cope with the visitors’ quality. This result solidifies Real Madrid’s position in second place in the Primera División Femenina, keeping the pressure on leaders Barcelona. For Granada, the defeat leaves them hovering uncomfortably in the bottom half of the table, reminding them that their fight for security in this division is far from over.
What’s next?
Real Madrid’s dominant first-half performance secured a comfortable victory on the road, while Granada must regroup and focus on finding defensive solidity ahead of their next league fixture.
Granada vs Espanyol Jan 11, 2026 | Primera División Femenina | Real Madrid vs Twente Dec 17, 2025 | UEFA Champions League Women |
You can check out statistics, fixtures, and standings at our Match Center.
Player Ratings
Player of the Match: Alba Redondo (Real Madrid W)
 |  | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | Player | Rating | # | Player | Rating |
| – | Goalkeeper | 5.0 | – | Goalkeeper | 7.0 |
| – | Defence | 4.5 | – | Defence | 7.5 |
| – | Defence | 4.0 | – | Defence | 7.5 |
| – | Defence | 4.5 | – | Defence | 7.0 |
| – | Defence | 5.0 | – | Defence | 7.0 |
| – | Midfield | 5.5 | – | S. Dabritz | 8.5 |
| – | Midfield | 5.0 | – | F. Angeldal | 7.5 |
| – | Midfield | 5.5 | – | S. Cristobal | 7.0 |
| – | Forward | 5.0 | – | A. del Castillo | 8.5 |
| – | Forward | 5.0 | – | P. Comendador | 8.0 |
| – | Forward | 5.5 | – | A. Redondo | 9.0 |
Who was your Player of the Match?
