Brave loss against undefeated FC Barcelona
Brave loss against undefeated FC Barcelona
Barça prevail at Lezama as the Lionesses, cheered on by a large crowd, fall to a 0-3 defeat
Athletic Club Women lost 0-3 against Primera Iberdrola leaders FC Barcelona on Sunday morning.
The Lionesses started the game very well but conceded the first goal on the stroke of half-time. Athletic had opportunities to score, looking dangerous on the counter, but the match played out as expected, with the Catalan side dominating and taking all three points.
The game started with chances for Athletic, Lucía García always active and Eunate causing trouble down the left wing.
Barça controlled the match but the Zurigorri defence and goalkeper Mariasun Quiñones kept the visitors at bay. In the 17th minute, Eunate had the clearest chance for Iraia Iturregi’s side. Marta Torrejón took advantage to put Barça ahead towards the end of the half.
Five minutes after the restart, Oshoala made the most of a rebound in the box to double the Catalans’ lead.
Barca’s hold on the match grew stronger, but the Lionesses did not stop believing and continued to threaten on the break with a full house at Lezama cheering them on.
However, Mariona made it 0-3 in the 62nd minute, once again capitalising on a loose ball in the area. In the 76th minute, Alexia Putellas could have made it four from a set piece.
Despite FC Barcelona’s superiority, the Lionesses worked bravely to stop match turning into a rout.
Lucía García kept trying on the counter, but Athletic Club could not find a way past the undefeated league leaders. Even Erika Vázquez, Athletic’s all-time top goalscorer, was denied by Barça’s goalkeeper Sandra Paños in the 90th minute.
Iturregi’s players now get a well-earned break and plenty of time to prepare for their next match, which will be a Copa tie against Sevilla FC at Lezama on March 2 or 3.