Atletico Madrid Femenino head coach Víctor Martín opted for a substitute appearance for one of the team's key performers, Rasheedat Aajibade in the Spanish Liga F clash against RCD Espanyol with both sides falling to score in the stalemate tie, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
At the back of a triumphant double-header international friendly against Algeria, Rasheedat Ajibade who scored braced in the first leg at the Remo Stars Stadium led the team again to another 4-1 victory at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena with a host of NWFL stars making their mark.
Víctor Martín made a tactical decision to rest key players Rasheedat Ajibade and Lola Gallardo, opting for Patri Larqué in goal and saving Ajibade for the second half. The first half was a tense affair, with both teams cautious in their approach, resulting in a scoreless draw.
In the second half, Luany and Ajibade were introduced, injecting fresh energy into the Espanyol side. Atlético de Madrid, caught off guard by this tactical change, struggled to respond and were unable to capitalize on their attacking opportunities. Romane Salvador's solid performance in goal ensured that Espanyol held onto a vital point, temporarily lifting them out of the relegation zone.
With this draw, RCD Espanyol escaped relegation for the first time, Atlético de Madrid now has six wins and two draws.
By Olaleye Oluwadamilola