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Athletic Club Women back to winning ways

Athletic Club Women back to winning ways

Oguiza goals either side of a Nekane strike see Athletic ease to a 3-0 win over RCD Espanyol

The Lionesses got their season back on track with am accomplished 3-0 victory over RCD Espanyol in their Primera Iberdrola match at Lezama.

After 11 matches without a win, and a change of manager in between, Athletic finally picked up three points again. And with a commanding performance to boot.

What’s more, new boss Iraia Iturregi will be particularly pleased with Irene Oguiza’s standout role. The young centre-midfielder, in only her second start, one year after suffering a serious knee injury, scored two first-half goals either side of a Nekane strike.

Iturregi’s side took control of the fixture from the very start and Oguiza got her first senior goal and Athletic’s first of the match on eight minutes. Oguiza took advantage of a defensive mishap at a corner to put Athletic in the lead.

Minutes later, Nekane could have made it two for the Lionesses but missed. However, she more than made up for it in the 23rd minute, tucking away a rebound from Monente’s shot.

Athletic didn’t let up either. Before the half-hour mark, Oguiza doubled her tally with a near-post header from a well-taken corner. The Lionesses were now out of sight.

Before half-time, Oihane Hernández almost put Athletic 4-0 up, but her shot was stopped by Espanyol keeper Quesada. Meanwhile, the visitors, nearly dragged one back, Leticia Sevilla smashing the post moments before the whistle blew.

After the restart, Espanyol came out and played with more purpose but were unable to trouble Andrea de la Nava in Athletic’s goal.

In the 60th minute, Iturregi ringed the changes. Substitute Nevado making an impact when she went for goal from the left flank.

The Catalans kept pushing but to no avail, as the Lionesses held out with ease. It was a great victory and now Athletic can start to look up the table again.