FINE MARGINS
Rethymno FA (REA) suffered their first defeat after an
impressive run of 11 matches without a loss, going down 1-0 away to AEK in
Matchday 18 of the Greek Women’s First Division.
Our team proved highly competitive against last season’s
league and cup double winners, but a set-piece in the 71st minute ultimately
decided the contest. In the first half, AEK controlled possession and created
the more significant chances, while REA mainly looked to threaten on the
counterattack. English was once again decisive, making impressive saves — first
in the 21st minute from Kongouli’s attempted lob, and then in the 31st minute
in a one-on-one with Hill — keeping her goal intact. In the 22nd minute,
Larsson struck the crossbar, as the hosts maintained intense pressure.
However, REA showed they could strike when given the
opportunity. In the 45th minute, they came close to scoring when, following a
header by Kotsaki, Ruzafa attempted a close-range effort with the outside of
her foot, but the ball ended up hitting the outside of the net.
In the second half, the Rethymno side raised their pressing
intensity and remained defensively compact. English was again called into
action in the 47th minute, denying Violari’s effort. REA threatened in the 64th
minute with a close-range header from Ruzafa, but Giannakouli secured the ball
at the second attempt.
The decisive moment came in the 71st minute. After a corner
by Chamalidou, Violari found herself in a scoring position and finished from
inside the box to make it 1-0 — a score that remained unchanged until the final
whistle. In the 89th minute, Panteri tried her luck with a long-range shot, but
without altering the outcome.
This defeat ended an excellent run of 11 positive results (8
wins and 3 draws) that REA had been on since November 1, when they were
defeated by OFI. Nevertheless, the team remains alone in third place in the
standings, confirming their consistency and competitiveness.
Attention now turns to Matchday 19 and the away fixture
against OFI — a particularly interesting clash in which REA will aim to return
immediately to winning ways.
MATCH EVENTS & GOALS
21’ Kongouli attempted a lob from outside the box, but
English made an impressive save for a corner.
22’ Larsson shot from outside the area, with the ball hitting the crossbar.
25’ Ruzafa attempted a shot from distance, but it went wide.
31’ Kongouli advanced into the area and set up Hill one-on-one, but English
produced another impressive save, conceding a corner.
34’ Bonnin shot from outside the box, with Giannakouli gathering at the second
attempt.
45’ Big chance for REA: Kotsaki headed the ball inside the area from the left,
and Ruzafa followed up with an outside-foot effort from close range, but the
ball struck the outside of the net.
47’ Georgoula misplaced a back pass, allowing Violari to go one-on-one with
English, but the goalkeeper once again came to the rescue.
64’ Ruzafa headed from close range following a corner, but Giannakouli secured
the ball at the second attempt.
71’ Violari made it 1-0 with a finish inside the area after a corner by
Chamalidou.
89’ Long-range effort by Panteri, comfortably held by Giannakouli.
AEK (Coach: H. Michailidis): Giannakouli, Hill, Zagkli,
Kapnisi, Stefatos (46’ Georgiou), Kongouli (87’ Gabriel), Saich, Tselenti (70’
Chatzinikolaou), Violari, Vivier, Larsson (61’ Chamalidou).
REA (Coach: S. Kozanidis): English, Nikopoulou, Vorria,
Markoutsa, Georgoula (76’ Renoux), Kotsaki, Nigito, Kanellou (84’ Kapareli),
Situma, Bonnin, Ruzafa (70’ Panteri).