The Lionesses' unbeaten run ends in Barcelona

Las Leonas' six-match unbeaten run ground to a halt as they paid a visit to this season's league champions FC Barcelona for their last away outing of the season.

The game was still goalless at half-time, with the well-organised Zurigorris keeping Barça at bay, but the Catalans went up a gear in the second half and justly took their 28th win of 2022/23.

As expected, Barcelona controlled affairs in the first half, but Athletic Club held firm against the home side's dominance. Oshoala and Patri Guijarro had great chances to open the scoring and Caroline Graham forced Mariasun Quiñones into a save.

Paula Arana had the visitors' best chance with a left-footed shot that Paños turned behind for a corner. Undoubtedly the most worrying news was the injury to Marta Unzué in the first few minutes of the game.

The game continued in the same vein after the restart. Landaluze cleared off a Graham's effort off the line in the 55th minute as Jonatan Giráldez's side set up camp in their opponents' half. Engen had a lofted effort go narrowly over the bar. Eventually the pressure grew too much and Graham scored the home side's opener in the 61st minute with a precise shot across goal.

Landaluze blocked another shot on the line, but in the following corner Paredes headed home to make it 2-0 in the 67th minute.

Guijarro crashed a powerful shot against the crossbar as the Blaugrana tried to increase their lead. The third goal of th afternoon came in the final moments with Salma Paralluelo hitting the target.

Despite the defeat, Iraia Iturregi's side can be proud of their performance and look ahead to the final match of the season with optimism. Next Saturday, Athletic Women face Villarreal CF at Lezama at 12:00 CEST.