The Lionesses put up fight in loss to FC Barcelona
The Lionesses put up fight in loss to FC Barcelona
Las Rojiblancas did a remarkable job defensively and deserved a better than to lose 0-4
FC Barcelona defeated Athletic Club 0-4 at a packed-out Lezama on Sunday evening. David Aznar's players gave their all and held out without any major problems until the 35th minute, when a great volley from Marta Torrejón put the Azulgrana on the road to victory.
The rest of the visitors goals came in the second half, with Caroline Graham Hansen, Patri Guijarro and Aitana Bonmatí getting on the scoresheet.
The game plan was clear. Keep Barcça away from Adriana Nanclares and look to hit Ane Azkona on the counter-attack. It almost worked in the first half. Patricia Zugasti missed by centimetres and Clara Pinedo threatened when teed-up by Azkona but couldn't find a way past Sandra Paños.
Nanclares was also on her game. She made two great saves to deny Graham Hansen and Torrejón. But on the third ocassion, Torrejón scored with a smart volley inside the box.
The Lionesses never gave up, not even when Graham doubled Barça's lead from the edge of the area in the 55th minute. In fact, Athletic had their best chances after that, with Pinedo and Paula Arana having efforts. Barça can always take it up a level, and they brought on Bonmati and Salma Paralluelo. In the last few minutes, Guijarro and Golden Ball winner Aitana made it 0-4 after two great moves.
The next match will be at Lezama on Sunday 10 December at 12:00 against Levante UD.