Carol was not involved in Sunday's match in Palma de Mallorca but she had a good excuse. The centre forward, 27, was in Dubai picking up the award for the best beach soccer player in the world.

The award, given out by Beach Soccer Worldwide, the leading organisation in this sport, recognised by FIFA, was the only one to be awarded to a woman.

Before joining Malaga, Carol's list of achievements included gold and two silver medals in the European beach soccer championships with Spain and also won the Champions League with AIS Playas de San Javier Murciano, during which she was chosen as MVP.

Last month, in the World Cup in Qatar, she also won gold with Spain, which led to her nomination.