EDF Logroño

Athletic Club Women defeated in penalty shootout

Despite dominating the match and having chances to win, the lionesses are knocked out on penalties

The home side, EDF Logroño, took the initiative in the early stages. After just two minutes, Logroño had a goal ruled out for offside. It was a passage of play which also left Athletic keeper Andrea de la Nava requiring treatment after she took a knock.

Athletic struggled to find their rhythm early on and were troubled by Logroño’s direct style. But as the minutes passed, Erika Vazquez and Lucia Garcia, recently returned from respective injuries, began to impose themselves in Las Gaunas.

It became an end-to-end match, Logroño’s Olga García was always incisive and looking for a goal. In the 20th minute, the striker struck the crossbar with a powerful shot.

The two best chances for Ángel Villacampa’s lionesses came through Erika and Lucía García. First Erika forced a save from opposition keeper Tajonar, and minutes before the half-time whistle, García couldn’t take advantage when put through by Oihane.

The lionesses came out roaring in the second half. Barely minutes after the restart, Lucía forced Tajonar into action once again. Olga García responded in kind almost immediately but her shot was off-target. From here the match did not slow down.

Nevertheless, Athletic began to take control and in the 77th minute there was an effort by Eunate. Athletic were resolute in defence whilst Lucía remained sharp in attack.

They came close to scoring after a goalmouth scramble followed a corner, but Tajonar was on hand to stop the ball crossing the line. With ten minutes left, Erika showed her eternal class, hitting the crossbar with a long-range effort. The game somehow still goalless going into extra-time.

Once again Athletic came out with the bit between their teeth after the break. This time Valdezate and Moraza threatened to get the all-important goal.

In the second half of extra time and fatigue took hold among Logroño’s ranks. Unfortunately, Athletic win no prizes for dominating the match for the final 60 minutes. The game went to penalties and the football equivalent of a lottery decided the winners.