The Lionesses defeated by a strong Levante UD side

Athletic Club Women were beaten 4-0 away to Levante UD, whose goals were scored by Toletti, Esther, Zornoza and Andonova. Iraia Iturregi’s side went in at half-time with a 3-0 deficit and could do little to stop Levante, who sealed place in next season’s Champions League with this victory.

In the opening period, the Lionesses were looking very settled on the pitch. Moraza had Athletic’s first chance with a shot from outside the area. But in the 21st minute, it was the home team who took the lead, French international Toletti pouncing on the rebound after Esther’s shot hit the post.

The Lionesses kept going but Levante struck again with Esther, the tournament’s top scorer, scoring from inside the six-yard box. Monente and then Unzué tried their luck from outside the area but Levante’s keeper was always alert. Azkona then had a timid header before Levante made it 3-0 in the 41st minute thanks to Zornoza.

After a punishing first half, Athletic were out to save face. The second half began with another shot from Moraza, which was easily saved. In the 55th minute, Esther was put through on goal but Amaia Peña blocked the effort with her feet.

Athletic, now playing with three centre-backs, started to look more balanced going forward. Clara Pinedo, 17, made her debut by coming on for Monente. But moments later, Andonova beat Amaia with a long range shot to make it 4-0.

With the game settled, Iraia Iturregi also handed a debut to 17-year-old Alejandra “Estefa” Estefanía.

A fourth consecutive defeat in what has been a very tough run of games for the Lionesses. They’ve faced a lot of opponents in the top part of the table and the long season is starting to show.

Next week will be the last break in play in the Primera Iberdrola and after that Athletic will be back in action at home to Sevilla FC.