Däbritz Rescues Real Madrid in Dramatic Stoppage-Time Equalizer
Key Takeaways
- Sara Däbritz's 96th-minute stunner salvaged a 1-1 draw for Real Madrid
- Jaimy Ravensbergen's early second-half header had given FC Twente the lead
- Real Madrid dominated with 61.7% possession and 18 shots but struggled for breakthrough
- FC Twente's goalkeeper Diede Lemey produced 8 heroic saves to frustrate visitors
ENSCHEDE, NETHERLANDS — Fifth-placed Real Madrid arrived at De Grolsch Veste needing to maintain their Champions League momentum with 12 points from five matches, while FC Twente sought a statement victory on home soil. What unfolded was a tale of dominance denied until the final breath, as Sara Däbritz's spectacular 96th-minute strike rescued Real Madrid in a pulsating 1-1 draw that left the Dutch side agonizingly close to a famous upset.
The opening 45 minutes belonged to Real Madrid in possession but not in substance. The Spanish giants controlled 61.7% of the ball, pinning FC Twente back for long stretches, yet found themselves repeatedly thwarted by a combination of resolute defending and inspired goalkeeping. Diede Lemey stood as Twente's last line of defense, and she would be called upon time and again throughout the evening.
The breakthrough arrived just 46 seconds into the second half, and it belonged to the hosts. Alieke Tuin whipped a dangerous cross from the left flank, and Jaimy Ravensbergen rose majestically to power a header from the left side of the six-yard box into the high centre of the goal. De Grolsch Veste erupted as Twente seized an unlikely lead against the run of play.
Real Madrid's response was immediate and relentless. The visitors launched wave after wave of attacks, peppering the Twente goal with 18 shots compared to the hosts' six. In the 63rd minute, Däbritz rattled the crossbar with a header from close range, with Yasmim's cross finding her perfectly positioned. Alba Redondo saw her effort saved by Lemey in the 74th minute, and Filippa Angeldahl's strike from distance was tipped over in the 82nd. The Swedish midfielder tried again in the 90th minute, only to be denied once more by the outstanding Lemey.
The numbers told the story of Real Madrid's frustration. Despite dominating possession and launching nine shots on target to Twente's four, they couldn't find a way past Lemey, who was kept busy making eight crucial saves. Caroline Weir and Linda Caicedo orchestrated attacks from midfield, while Naomie Feller and later substitute Athenea del Castillo probed down the flanks. Twente's defensive structure, marshaled by Anna Knol and Imre van der Vegt, held firm through 90 minutes of pressure.
The turning point arrived deep into stoppage time. With five additional minutes announced and Twente clinging desperately to their advantage, Real Madrid conjured one final moment of magic. Bella Andersson, introduced just minutes earlier, threaded a perfectly weighted pass into the box. Däbritz met it with her left foot, drilling a magnificent shot from the centre of the box into the top left corner. The 96th-minute equalizer sparked wild celebrations from the Madrid bench and left Twente's players slumped in devastation.
The final whistle blew moments later, confirming a point that felt like two dropped for the hosts and one gained for the visitors. Jill Roord battled tirelessly in midfield for Twente, while Sophie Proost and Eva Oude Elberink worked relentlessly to support the defensive effort. For Real Madrid, the late rescue maintained their unbeaten run in the group stages, though they'll rue their profligacy in front of goal.
Looking ahead, Real Madrid will travel to face Espanyol on December 20, while FC Twente host HERA United on December 21.