undefined

Lionesses suffer injury-time defeat against Real Betis

Lionesses suffer injury-time defeat against Real Betis

The Lionesses come back to Bilbao without a point after conceding an injury-time goal in Seville

Athletic Club Women lost 1-0 against Real Betis on Saturday evening. The Lionesses come back home empty-handed after Bea Parra scored a winner for the home side in the 92nd minute.

Betis put in a good performance with forward Sosa playing particularly well. However, despite dominating play, the local side barely troubled Andrea de la Nava in Athletic’s goal in the first 45.

Meanwhile, Iraia Iturregi’s side had a nervous start to the match, failing to truly test Betis’ backline in the first half. Nonetheless, the Lionesses grew into the tie, and were far more confident after the break.

In the 51st minute, Betis had a goal ruled out for offside. And in the 60th minute, Athletic forward Lucía García shot over the crossbar from the edge of the box after a well-worked team move.

Lucía became a real nuisance for the Andalusian outfit’s defence and the Lionesses began to really threaten Betis, whose only recourse was to try and play on the counter.

Striker Ane Azkona came of the bench in the 73rd minute to get a first bit of game time after almost a year out injured. Great news for all.

De la Nava was called into action in the 76th minute, saving an effort from Rosa Márquez. But the Rojiblancas continued to dominate with Lucía and Azkona linking up well in attack.

Rosa Márquez became increasingly dangerous down the right flank, whipping in a couple of decent crosses. First for Bea, and then for Mari Paz, who could have scored, but De la Nava managed to stop her attempt with a bit of luck.

Betis came into their own in the latter stages. Sosa had a go from distance. The home team’s tenacity was rewarded in the 92 minute, Bea Parra hitting the back of the net after a rapid counter-attack.