Real Madrid Femenino: 5 key players to watch against Levante

Real Madrid Femenino defeated Atletico Madrid 1-0 last weekend in a pivotal derby fixture in the race for a Champions League spot. And this weekend, they will face the team one point ahead of them in the table in Levante, who are also in prime position to qualify for the 2020-2021 Champions League.

Let’s take a look at five key players between both sides.

Real Madrid GK Misa

Misa is establishing herself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and it’s often hard to believe she is still only 21. Her potential is through the roof, and she will one day be recognized as the world’s best. Misa has a big save seemingly every week, and she was called into action to preserve a clean sheet against Atleti, who are one of Primera Iberdrola’s traditional powerhouse.

Levante will present a tough challenge for Misa, given they have the league’s top goal-scorer in Esther Gonzalez. She actually scored in their last fixture, so Misa will have to be to the task of keeping her out of the scoresheet again.

Levante FW Esther Gonzalez

So let’s talk about Esther Gonzalez, who is one of the top players in the league. She was used on the right-hand side of a 4-4-2 in the most recent fixture against Real Betis, which the Frogs drew 1-1. But against Real, she played up top in a 4-3-3. Against Eibar, she played on the right side of a 4-4-2, and against Sporting Huelva, she was a striker in the 4-4-2.

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Before Betis held her off the scoresheet, Gonzalez scored three in each of her last three league matches, as well as seven goals in two international appearances. Let’s see how Real’s defense does against Levante’s top attacker.

Real Madrid FW Jessica Martinez

Paraguayan international Jessica Martinez is a very underrated forward who is a key to victory for Real Madrid. She played centrally up top against Logrono, Espanyol, and Atletico Madrid in each of the last three matchups, with a brace against Espanyol. Frustratingly, she should have drawn a penalty against Atletico Madrid, but the official did not see things that way.

Martinez has stepped up big-time with leading goal-scorer Kosovare Asllani out of the lineup due to injury. She has already matched last season’s goal tally with three in about half as many minutes, but the biggest positive she brings to Las Blancas is her link-up play.

Levante FW Sandie Toletti

Sandie Toletti played in midfield in the win over Sporting Huelva, but she was listed as a starting striker against Real Betis and actually scored the lone goal for her team in the draw. Toletti is second on Levante with six goal contributions. And she is third in minutes played among all midfielders on the Frogs.

Madridistas should keep a close eye on where Toletti starts. The 25-year-old is a versatile player who does a good job of supporting Gonzalez’s goal-scoring for a team that is third in the league behind Barcelona and Real Madrid in goals scored. The former captain of France’s U17 team that won a World Cup, Toletti is one of the league’s most underrated players. Remember her name.

Real Madrid RB Kenti Robles

Finally, we come to Kenti Robles, whose attacking down the flank as a fullback will be more important with Olga Carmona suspended on the opposite side of her after a controversial red card in the derby last weekend.

The importance of Real Madrid vs. Levante. dark. Next

Robles has been another great addition to Las Blancas and, like Gonzalez and Misa, is another former Atleti player to watch on Sunday evening. She is one of the best crossers on the team and never stops working to support the attack. I wouldn’t be surprised if she sets up a striker with an assist on Matchday 23.

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