Real Sociedad - Athletic Club

Athletic Women’s side have defeated Real Sociedad in the derby match corresponding to the fifth matchweek in the Primera Iberdrola. The Red and Whites faced such a special clash after two consecutive defeats, having significant players such as Erika Vázquez, Lucía García and Yulema in the injured list.

Athletic stepped onto Reale Arena with an attitude that accorded with the importance of the outing. As soon as the contest started, Nekane opened the scoring the moment she took advantage of a fine pass from Azkona. The goal made the Red and Whites feel more confident on the pitch, while the hosts were unable to either control the game or create any important chances.

In a fast-paced clash, with both teams continually going up and down the pitch, Eunate made goalkeeper Quiñones intervene on two occasions. Real timidly approached the goal several times, while a very organised Athletic did not have major problems to keep their lead until the break.

The second half started with the host side putting pressure on Ainhoa’s goal, one of the new featured players in the line-up. However, Villacampa’s team remained solid in defence and played the ball resolutely.  The hosts’ side’s control built up in a crescendo, what forced the Red and Whites to pull back their lines and Ainhoa to show off her skills with several good saves.

As the second half went by, Real Sociedad’s control of the game diminished and Athletic took up the reins of the game again. With a cross-shot on 88 minutes, María Díaz closed off a derby that secures the Red and Whites unbeatability at Reale Arena and gives them three valuable points, which will undoubtedly boost their morale for their upcoming fixtures.

MATCH DATA

Real Sociedad: Quiñonez, Iraia (Blanco, 80′), Maddi, Ixaso, Palacios, N. Eizagirre (Mirari, 76′), M. Cardona, C. Bautista (Manu, 63’), Bárbara (Leire Baños, 47’), Lucía, N. Mendoza.

Athletic Club: Ainhoa, Moraza, Garazi, V. Gimbert, Eunate; Damaris (Leia, 56’), M. Unzué, Jone Ibañez (María Díaz, 80’), M. Oroz (M. Perea, 76′); Nekane (Valdezate, 64’), Azkona

Goals: Nekane (1’), María Díaz (88′)

Referee: Ainara Acebedo (Castalunya). She booked Iraia.

Stadium: Reale Arena. 28,367 spectators.