Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade played a pivotal role in Atlético Madrid’s 2-0 extra time victory over Cacereño in the Copa de la Reina quarterfinals.
Despite dominating possession, Atlético found it difficult to break down a resolute Cacereño defence, with a potential goal ruled out for offside. The game was deadlocked after 90 minutes, so extra time was needed to decide the winner.
Ajibade, who was introduced in the 64th minute to replace Tatiana Pinto, made an immediate impact. She finally broke the deadlock in the 116th minute, capitalising on a defensive error after Cacereño failed to clear a cross from the right. Reacting quickest to the loose ball, she tapped home to give Atlético the advantage.
Two minutes later, Sheila Pinto sealed the victory, ensuring Atlético Madrid’s passage to the semifinals of Spain’s premier women’s cup competition.
Ajibade’s goal was her first in this season’s Copa de la Reina, adding to an already impressive campaign. In Liga F, she has contributed six goals and one assist in 14 appearances, underlining her importance to the team.
Atlético Madrid will now shift focus to their upcoming league fixture against Deportivo La Coruña on February 16, 2025.
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Editorial
Rasheedat Ajibade continues to prove why she is one of Nigeria’s brightest footballing talents. Her performance against Cacereño was another demonstration of her ability to step up in crucial moments. Atlético Madrid needed inspiration to break through, and Ajibade provided exactly that with a well-taken goal deep into extra time.
Her growing influence at Atlético cannot be overlooked. Despite not starting the match, she delivered when it mattered most, highlighting her ability to change the course of a game. It is no surprise that she has been one of the standout players for both club and country in recent years.
This victory puts Atlético Madrid one step closer to lifting the Copa de la Reina, a competition they last won in 2016. For Ajibade, the challenge is to maintain her consistency as the season progresses. She has already proven herself in Liga F with six goals, and her latest cup heroics show she thrives under pressure.
For Nigerian football fans, her continued success in Spain is encouraging. The Super Falcons will rely on players like her in upcoming international fixtures, and her performances at club level will only boost her confidence on the national stage.
With the semifinal now set, Atlético Madrid will need Ajibade’s attacking flair to push them towards another potential trophy. If she continues in this vein, she could be instrumental in their silverware ambitions.
Did You Know?
- Rasheedat Ajibade began her professional career with FC Robo Queens in Nigeria before moving to Norway’s Avaldsnes IL in 2018.
- She joined Atlético Madrid in 2021 and quickly became a key player for the club.
- Ajibade is known for her versatility, excelling as both a winger and an attacking midfielder.
- She was Nigeria’s joint-top scorer at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, helping the Super Falcons reach the semifinals.
- Atlético Madrid has won the Copa de la Reina once, in 2016, and is aiming to add another title this season.
