Athletic Club Women put three past SD Eibar

Athletic Club Women scored three first-half goals in their 3-1 victory over SD Eibar at Lezama on Wednesday night. The win means Iraia Iturregi’s side extend their winning streak to four matches in all competitions.

A brace by Ane Azkona and a strike by Lucía García saw the Lionesses 3-0 up before the half-hour mark, a deficit from which the Armeras were unable to recover.

It took Athletic a little over five minutes to take control of the derby, scoring on their first foray into Eibar’s box. Lucía García made no mistake with her left foot, taking advantage of Arana’s assist to shoot past Malena.

In the 20th minute, Azkona’s tenacity in the press saw her take advantage of defensive mishap, getting hold of a loose ball between an Eibar defender and their goalkeeper to put Athletic 2-0 up.

The Lionesses made it 3-0 soon after. Azkona got her second after finding space in the box to score a header from a corner.

SD Eibar went more direct as they looked to get themselves back in the match. They used the pace of Kundananji and The Zambia international pulled one back with a close-range shot in the 41st minute.

After the break, Arana could have almost put the game to bed, but Malena saved the close-range shot with her feet. Then Carmen Álvarez threatened at the other end but Athletic keeper Mariasun Quiñones kept her out.

After the hour mark, the Armeras had plenty of possession but couldn’t find a breakthrough. In the 68th minute Malena stopped the Lionesses scoring a fourth, Peke and Nekane Diez combining well up front.

Fatigue took its toll in the closing stages and Athletic held out to take a comfortable win. Next up, Athletic will travel to Sporting Huelva on Sunday. They will looking to maintain the excellent form with which they have started 2022.