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Real Madrid qualified for their fourth consecutive Women's Champions League group stage. They did so after qualifying from a preliminary play-off against Sporting CP, whom they beat in both matches. In the second leg, played at the Alfredo Di Stéfano, the Portuguese took an early lead, but a brace from Toletti and a superb goal from Alba Redondo allowed Toril's side to confirm their place among the 16 teams in Friday's draw in Nyon.
Both sides knew what was at stake, which was evident from the first minute. It was a lively start in which Sporting CP took the lead in the 5th minute from a free-kick taken by Andreia Bravo which, after being flicked on by Fatima Pinto, was headed home by Capeta. The visitors' joy was short-lived as Madrid's response was immediate. Feller stole the ball near the penalty area and combined with Weir, who pulled it back for Toletti to fire home with her right foot (1-1, min. 7).
Penalty not given
Shortly afterwards it was Misa who kept out another Portuguese strike with a reflex save to deny Capeta's close-range effort. In the 25th minute, Real Madrid claimed a penalty for a clear foul inside the area by Cláudia Neto on Feller, but the referee waved play on. Our team had the last chance of the first half with a deflected header by M. Méndez from a corner kick by Leupolz.
Right at the start of the second half, Toletti was on target again to complete the comeback and extend the lead. Weir set up the Frenchwoman for the second time, who struck a precise right-footed shot to make it 2-1. Tiredness would then take its toll on the tempo of the game, but the Lisbon side wanted to get back into the contest and it was Misa who kept them out with a couple of fine saves. In stoppage time, Alba Redondo's right-footed shot into the top corner made it 3-1 and sealed Real Madrid’s place in the Women's Champions League group stage.