Nigeria Players Abroad
Rasheedat Ajibade scores and bags assist in Atletico Madrid’s win over Real Betis
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigeria forward, Rasheedat Ajibade had hands in two out of Atletico Madrid’s five goals as the Spanish capital club defeated Betis 5-1 on Sunday.
Ajibade set up Brazil’s Ludmila for the opening goal of the Spanish women’s top-flight league match in the 25th minute at the Centro Deportivo Wanda Alcala de Henares.
Another Brazilian, Ana Vitoria assisted Ajibade for the second goal which she converted to double the lead inside the box.
Argentine star, Estefania Banini headed the host into a three-goal lead in the 39th minute.
Rosa Marquez pulled a goal back for Betis in the 59th minute and had another chance which hit the bar moments later.
Irrespective of the threat, Atletico Madrid restored their three-goal lead through Sheila Guijarro’s header in the 90th minute.
Lucia Moral made it 5-1 in the additional minutes of the second half.
Ajibade was replaced by Marta Cardona in the 71st minute after scoring her sixth goal in the league this season and had also provided five assists after 24 league games.
The win ensured that Atletico Madrid maintained their fourth position with 46 points after 24 games, a point behind third-placed Madrid CFF.
They will next face Real Sociedad away from home on April 28, 2024.
