Bayern march on as Atletico close the gap - WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
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In view of the upcoming international break and its qualifiers for the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Rio 2016 as well as the SheBelieves Cup in the USA, the women’s calendar was less hectic than usual this past weekend. Nevertheless, important games were played at both ends of the top divisions in Spain and Germany. FIFA.com summarises the pick of the action.
Germany: Bayern march towards title
Defending champions Bayern Munich remain unbeaten in Germany’s Women’s Bundesliga after winning 2-0 at newly-promoted SV Werder Bremen on Sunday to make it 13 victories from 15 matches. The Bavarians may be well clear at the top, but their closest challengers 1. FFC Frankfurt (4-0 winners at Cologne) and Wolfsburg (2-0 victors over Freiburg) enjoyed a successful weekend themselves, ensuring the battle for second place is hotting up by the week. Bremen remain second from bottom, while fellow newcomers Cologne prop up the table after missing another opportunity to edge closer to safety. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen, currently third last in the standings, ground out a vital 3-1 win over Hoffenheim to maintain an important cushion between themselves and the bottom two.
Top three: FC Bayern Munich (41 points), 1. FFC Frankfurt (31), VfL Wolfsburg (29)
Spain: Atletico benefit from top two-stalemate
In the standout match on week 18 in Spain’s top flight, there was nothing to separate league leaders Athletic Bilbao and second-placed Barcelona as they played out a 1-1 draw in Catalonia. The team from the Basque country remain top, but the scoreline allowed Atletico Madrid to gain ground on the top two, with Sonia Bermudez netting twice in a 3-1 win at Fundacion Albacete that took them up to third and level on points with Barcelona. Both results ensured that not only the title race but also the battle for second spot – which also brings qualification for the UEFA Women’s Champions League – remain in the balance. At the other end of the table, Oviedo Moderno’s poor form continued as they went down 3-2 to SC Huelva, their ninth defeat on the spin. Moderno, currently on seven points, are bottom of the league and level on points with DU Collerense, who themselves let slip a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Oiartzun KE.
Top three: Athletic Bilbao (48), FC Barcelona (44), Atletico (44)