Vila-sana will play for the OK Liga title final for the first time after beating Palau 1-2 in the second game of the semifinals. The Pla d'Urgell team closed out the series after the 5-1 from the first match and thus broke a barrier that had held the club back in the last three editions of the playoffs.
Therein lay the main difference of the night. Vila-sana came into the match after three consecutive eliminations in the semifinals and ended up resolving the series quickly against one of the most demanding rivals in the championship, with two consecutive victories and control of the decisive game in the second half.
Gaete decided the qualification with two goals before halftime
The game opened with Salvanyà's 0-1, who culminated an individual play with the first goal of the match. Palau reacted quickly and Gaete's overhead kick equalized the game to restore the tie.
Just before halftime came the play that decided the qualification. Laura Vicente, Palau's goalkeeper, committed the penalty and in that same play Gaete scored the 1-2 by collecting the rebound after her shot hit the post.
The lead reinforced the plan of the Lleida team, which had already secured the series in the first match with the 5-1 at the start of the series. This time, it did not need a landslide victory, but rather to manage each possession better and reduce spaces against a Palau forced to accelerate.
Salvado stopped Palau's reaction in the 23rd minute
The clearest opportunity for the home team to get back into the game came in the second half. Then, Salvado saved the direct shot awarded for Palau's tenth foul in the 23rd minute.
From then on, the team coached by Lluís Rodero maintained the lead with long possessions and control of the game. Vila-sana avoided quick exchanges, slowed down the pace of the game and protected the 1-2 until securing their place.
The qualification has added value for the Pla d'Urgell club because in the last three editions of the playoffs for the title, they had fallen in the semifinals. This time they reached the final with two consecutive victories, first by 5-1 and then by 1-2.