Lionesess wrap up league campaign at Lezama

Athletic Club Women drew 1-1 with Villarreal at Lezama to see out their 2022/23 Liga F season. The match also saw fans at Lezama give standing ovations to departing players Nekane Diez and Leyre Monente.

Three reserve-team players were called up, including debutee Amaia Martinez, as Iraia Iturregi rotated the line-up ahead of Wednesday's Copa semi-final.

Villarreal CF, who were playing for survival, came out with more drive and Soldevila tested Amaia Peña in the eighth minute. The visitors spent a good part of the first half attacking the Zurigorri area.

Sheila Gómez had a go in the 27th minute amd Fatou Kanteh hit the post in the 32nd minute. At the other end, Athletic's Yulema Corres headed narrowly over on the stroke of half-time.

Sara Ortega, making her league debut with the senior team, gave the Lionesses the lead shorty after the restart.

In the 68th minute, Nekane Diez was subbed off and Lezama rose to its feet and applauded a One-Club Woman who has spent the entirety of her 16-year professional career with Athletic.

Kanteh equalised four minutes later. It was the goal Villarreal needed to stave off relegation. The spoils were shared and after full-time Lezama paid tribute to Nekane and Leyre Monente.