Athletic Club - Sevilla FC

Athletic Club beat Sevilla FC 2-0 on Sunday morning. It was the first match in front of a crowd at Lezama for some time. The Lionesses felt the support in a match in which they beat the Andalusian visitors thanks to first-half strikes by Irene Oguiza and Lucía García.

As expected, the game did not disappoint. It started with a shot from Paula Arana, who was making her second start, and from that moment onwards Athletic began to find their feet, growing into the match.

Sevilla’s Claudia Pina, on loan from FC Barcelona and always dangerous, made Amaia Peña work for her money in the ninth minute. The goalkeeper also had to be alert to stop Echeverri’s shot.

In the 23rd minute, Athletic Club had a great chance via Lucía García, whose effort was thwarted by the Sevilla defence. A minute later, Oguiza put the Lionesses ahead when she converted from Leyre Monente’s corner.

Sevilla FC did not let up and continued to have chances. Amaia Peña was again called into action to prevent Nagore Calderón, and Echeverri crashed a header against the crossbar. But before the break, Athletic made it 2-0 thanks to Lucía García, who finished off a great move after another superb assist from Monente.

After the break, the Lionesses looked to increase their two-goal advantage. Arana was full of energy and in the 54th minute Lucía missed the target after a going one-on-one with Noelia Ramos. In the 60th minute, Oihane Hernández swung a cross into the area which Ane Azkona sent over the crossbar.

Amaia Peña pulled out a great save to stop Zenatha Coleman from scoring. Iraia Iturregi’s side continued to push forward and came close to making it 3-0. Azkona inadvertently kept out Lucía’s shot when Noelia was stranded on the ground. Azkona had another attempt from inside the area, but Noelia made a fine save.

The Rojiblancas kept a high level of intensity throughout the game and picked up three points that will give them a boost heading into the next match, which is just around the corner. On Tuesday, at 16:00 CEST, Athletic Club host champions FC Barcelona in what will be the Lionesses’ last home fixture of the season.