Real Madrid - Athletic Club

Athletic Club Women were defeated on their first visit to the Ciudad del Real Madrid. It was a game of two halves. There was a lack of any real standout moment in the first half. While in the second half, the lionesses dominated and had Real Madrid up against the ropes most of the time. However, the attitude and effort shown by the lionesses wasn’t enough to prevent a 1-0 defeat.

The match’s only goal came shortly after the 15-minute mark, Jakobsson’s cross from the left flank being put away by Cardona. Athletic’s Lucía García led the fightback and got into a good position in Madrid’s area a couple of times, but she was unable to connect with Yulema Corres. Real Madrid were equally imprecise in front of goal, giving Athletic hope that a second-half comeback was on the cards.

After the restart, Athletic Club came out kicking, taking control of the fixture. Madrid did give the lionesses a scare in the 56th minute, with Asllani firing off a powerful header, but she missed the target. Not long after, Eunate forced opposition keeper Misa to stretch herself from a free-kick, the ball just missing the right post. In the 72nd minute, a move down the right by Madrid’s Cardona was well saved by Andrea de la Nava.

The Merengues were perfectly happy to sit back and let Villacampa’s side have possession of the ball. The lionesses desperately sought the equaliser, throwing everything and the kitchen sink at Madrid, but they couldn’t find the opening. Real Madrid were defending for their lives but managed to hang on during a dramatic stoppage time in which the referee had to be replaced after getting hit by the ball.