First defeat of the season for Athletic

Athletic Club lost 0-1 against RCD Espanyol at San Mamés, the Lions's first defeat of the season. Athletic had the better chances and mostly dominated the match, but a Martin Braithwaite goal in the 83rd minute saw the Catalans take all three points.

The Lions, with the same XI that put four past Cadiz on Monday, got off to a very strong start. Barely five minutes in, a shrewd through-ball from centre-back Yeray found Alex Berenguer in space, the winger failing to get the better of Alvaro Fernandez.

Joselu had the visitors' only chance of the half when he fired wide from a Sergi Darder cross. Athletic would threaten twice more in the closing stages. Iñaki Williams was inches away from sliding in a low cross by Berenguer. And on the stroke of half-time the winger, teed up by an Iker Muniain free-kick, smashed an effort against bar.

Hampered by an intense mid-afternoon heat which made life uncomfortable for players and fans alike, the match turned into a tactical battle after the restart.

Los Leones continued to dominate possession for most of the second half, Braithwaite's 83rd-minute goal coming against the run of play after an unfortunate mix-up at the back.

Yeray went close to equalising with a header in stoppage time. The Lions never gave up and neither did our fans, who cheered until the end. Heads held high and time to focus on the upcoming visit to Elche.

Before kick-off, four of our young Lionesses, Ane Elexpuru, Clara Pinedo, Maite Zubieta and Amaia Martínez, received a standing ovation in recognition of becoming World U-20 and European U-19 champions.