Narrow derby defeat for the lionesses

Athletic Club Women lost 1-0 in the Basque derby against Real Sociedad at Zubieta. Bárbara Latorre’s goal for la Real was enough to see the home side take all three points from the Primera Iberdrola fixture.

Real Sociedad looked more comfortable in the opening exchanges and in the 15th minute Nerea Eizaguirre forced Athletic keeper Andrea de la Nava into a fine save.

After the 30-minute mark, the lionesses began to grow into the game. Lucía García had an effort saved by Nanclares. Moments later, Jone Ibañez played through Yulema Corres, but she was denied by the txuriurdin keeper.

After the break, the game took on a frightening pace. María Díaz went close to converting a cross by Moraza. At the other end, Nahikari missed a clear opportunity to put la Real ahead.

The San Sebastian-based side got on the scoresheet in the 67th minute, Barbara scoring a header from a corner. From this moment onwards, la Real took the reigns. De la Nava turned a Palacios shot away for a corner, from which Nahikari struck wide.

In the 83rd minute, Eizaguirre could have doubled la Real’s lead, striking the post with an empty goal in front of her. The lionesses looked for an equaliser but it was not forthcoming and Athletic are coming home empty-handed.