Real Betis Féminas - Athletic Club

Athletic Club lost 4-2 at the Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol, falling to a first away defeat in the 2021-22 season. Real Betis were 4-0 by half-time. The Lionesses fought back in the second half with goals by Gimbert and Valdezate, but the lead was too much to overcome.

Not even in the worst-case scenario could Athletic Club find themselves in such a situation. In the third minute, Asantewaa put Betis ahead with a low shot. The Lionesses tried to adapt to the pitch and focus as soon as possible. However, the second setback soon followed the first. Mari Paz Vilas took advantage of Medina’s cross to head in and make it 2-0 in the 20th minute.

The striker would make it 3-0 and 4-0 in identical fashion, finishing off two crosses from a corner at the far post in the 28th and 34th minute. Athletic were in complete disarray. Betis’ Swiss international keeper Thalmann was rarely troubled. Iraia Iturregi’s side were desparate for a goal at the Luis del Sol.

In the second half, the script did not change much, but at least the Lionesses scored from a set piece thanks to Vanesa Gimbert, the centre-back taking advantage of Eunate Arraiza’s cross in the 60th minute. Iturregi’s side grew into the game little by little and gave the home team a taste of their own medicine.

The Lionesses’ confidence was coming back and in the 65th minute, Valdezate got on the end of Itxaso’s looping cross making it 4-2.

Athletic were doing damage from set pieces and wanted to score one more to make their opponents uneasy. Marta Unzué tried a free kick but the goalkeeper cleared with her fists in the final stretch.

Athletic felt like they could have completed a comeback, but in the end it was not to be. After eight games played, their good run in the league and their unbeaten run away come to an end.