Three hard-fought points against Santa Teresa

Athletic Club Women defeated Santa Teresa de Badajoz 2-1 at Lezama on Sunday morning in their Primera Iberdrola Matchday 25 fixture.

Three very important points which put distance between the Lionesses and the relegation places. And a win which sees Athletic come out on top against Santa Teresa in their head-to-head record this season. Vanesa Gimbert scored both of Athletic’s goals, with the first one coming from the spot.

The match almost got off to the perfect start for Athletic. Monente tried to lob the keeper from distance in the second minute, but her shot didn’t have enough on it. A few minutes later, Ane Azkona was chopped down in the box. A penalty was awarded and Vanesa Gimbert stepped up to put Athletic ahead.

On the half-hour mark, Moraza took aim from afar, but her effort was easily saved. Yulema also tried to catch Santa Teresa’s keeper off-guard, but had no luck.

Santa Teresa were ineffective in attack in the first half, but that changed completely after the break.

The visitor equalised in the 50th minute when Nerea Pérez caught hold of a rebound inside the box. Santa Teresa kept pushing for more while the Lionesses looked for an immediate reaction. Moraza shot over in the 60th minute after getting hold of Azkona’s pass.

Iturregi’s side went in search of a second goal but couldn’t create any clear-cut chances. That was until 79th minute, when Eunate put a good ball in to box which Vanesa Gimbert sent to the back of the net.

The match also saw Mariana Cerro make her debut. The reserve team captain got ten minutes of game time towards the end of the fixture.

Azkona, who completed her first full game back from injury, almost scored the third in the 90th minute.

The two goals from veteran Gimbert were enough to secure the three points and Athletic Club will go into the Primera Iberdrola break with more peace of mind.