Cruel defeat for the lionesses in Huelva

The lionesses were beaten 1-0 in their Primera Iberdrola matchday 11 fixture against Sporting Club de Huelva. Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession and having several chances, Athletic Club conceded a goal from a set-piece in the last minute.

As had been predicted pre-match, the fixture was a direct and physical affair. Manager Ángel Villacampa made several changes to the starting XI and moved Valdezate into defence.

Sporting seemed destined to play second fiddle from the get go. Athletic had a chance to go ahead early doors with Yulema Corres’ shooting over the crossbar in the second minute.

The lionesses were fully in control of  the match, but didn’t have their shooting boots put on. Lucía García, Sophie Istillart and Jone Ibañez all went close in the first half.

After the restart, Athletic came out raring to go. Once again Istillart almost scored, and then Yulema and Lucía troubled the keeper again.

The home side had their best chance from a corner when a header by Ojeda was saved by Amaia Peña. In the 62nd minute, Ibañez got on the end of a rebound but the Sporting keeper turned the shot away.

At the other end, defender Andrea Sierra came to the rescue as she blocked a Sporting shot on the line.

The fixture turned into a slog. Valdezate made the Sporting keeper work from a set-piece in the 75th minute and in the following passage of play, Amaia made an incredible double save to keep the opponents out.

Athletic pushed for the winner, Maria Diaz, Istillart and Lucía with opportunities to put the lionesses ahead at the death.

The blow came in injury time. A high and loopy cross was deflected into the path of Ana Carol, who hit the back of the net and condemned Athletic to an unfair loss at La Orden.