REA celebrated a win forged in passion and belief until the
very last second, defeating Trikala 2–1, with the decisive moment coming
in the 94th minute from the “golden substitute” Lea Renoux,
sparking wild celebrations on the bench and in the stands.
The Rethymno side controlled the tempo for most of the match
despite difficult conditions, as strong winds prevented the game from flowing
with quality. Even so, REA found the breakthrough in the 23rd minute,
when Kotsaki won a penalty and Nigito converted confidently to
make it 1–0, giving Stelios Kozanidis’ team the lead.
Despite their dominance and efforts to “kill off” the game,
a second goal did not arrive. Instead, Trikala made the most of their first
real chance, and in the 58th minute Boveleth equalised to make it
1–1, changing the balance of the match.
From that point on, REA pushed relentlessly, came close to
scoring, and had justified complaints over a penalty decision in the 87th
minute, but the ball simply refused to go in. Until the 94th minute.
Bonnin delivered a cross from the right and Renoux, rising with
determination, headed home the winner to make it 2–1, triggering an
emotional eruption of celebrations reminiscent of a cup final.
A victory of heart and character, confirming the mentality
of a team that never gives up.
Attention now turns to the next major challenge. REA shift
focus from the league to the second leg of the Greek Women’s Cup
quarter-finals, where they will travel to face Asteras Tripolis on Wednesday,
January 28, defending the precious 1–0 advantage from the first leg,
with the aim of securing yet another historic qualification.
Chances and Goals
3’ Kanellou cut inside near the edge of the box and
shot, with the goalkeeper tipping the ball out for a corner.
23’ – GOAL! Kotsaki won a penalty after a foul by Beou and Nigito
converted to make it 1–0.
36’ REA threatened from outside the box, the ball passing just wide of
the right post.
58’ Katsigianni won possession and delivered a low cross, with Boveleth
beating English to level the score at 1–1.
61’ Bonnin struck a direct free kick, the ball narrowly clearing the
crossbar.
76’ Markoutsa took a free kick, Situma cut the ball back into the area
and Nigito’s close-range effort went across goal.
87’ Situma beat two defenders down the left and was brought down, but
the referee waved play on.
94’ – GOAL! Bonnin crossed from the right and Renoux headed home for the
2–1 winner.
Line-ups
REA (S. Kozanidis): English, Kotsaki, Vorria,
Nikopoulou, Georgoula, Markoutsa, Bonnin, Kanellou (85’ Renoux), Kapareli (61’
Situma), Nigito, Ruzafa.
Trikala (N. Valomandras): Panagiotopoulou, Beou,
Tsouni (46’ Pipera), Katsigianni, Zheleva, Kehagia, Biloroglou, Hatzioannou,
Tsaousi (83’ Kyrizaki), Boveleth, Topsachalidi.
