Athletic Club - Real Madrid

Athletic Club Women are on a roll. The Lionesses defeateed Real Madrid 2-0 in their first fixture of the season at Lezama. Peke and Ane Azkona sealed with win with a couple of second-half strikes. Iraia Iturregi’s side outclassed Real Madrid on their way to a third consecutive win in Primera Iberdrola.

The first half was the predicted back-and-forth battle. Aided by Lezama’s quick playing surface, the Lionesses started the game better and Yulema Corres threatened in the sixth minute, the striker shooting narrowly wide with a powerful effort inside the box.

Real Madrid tried their best with some long-range shots from Lorena Navarro and Caroline Moller, but they barely managed to trouble Athletic keeper Mariasun Quiñones.

In the 14th minute, Azkona, who was very active on the right flank, went one-on-one with Misa Rodriguez, but the Athletic winger was denied by Madrid’s shotstopper.

Azkona had another great chance to put the Lionesses ahead after connnecting with Ainhoa Moraza’s cross from the left, but her attempt was blocked by the goalkeeper. Neither side was able to find a breakthrough before the half-time whistle.

Striker Peke was the first to test Misa in the second half and Real Madrid’s Claudia Zornoza replied with a shot that went just over the crossbar.

In the 64th minute, Peke made it 1-0 after a great move in which Nekane Diéz’s backheeled the ball to Athletic striker, who shot low past Misa for her second goal of the season.

Erika Vázquez came on as a substitute to make her 403rd appearance as a Lioness. She overtook Iraia Iturregi in the all-time rankings, and is now second only to Eli Ibarra (413) in terms of total number of official matches played for Athletic Club Women.

Real Madrid threw caution to the win and went all out in attack. It was a period of play in which the Lionesses showed their craft and defended with discipline.

The reward for their efforts came in the 85th minute when Azkona took advantage of a poor Madrid pass out from the back, putting the game to bed. The forward scored her third goal in what has been a great start to the season.

At the full-time whistle, the Athletic fans in attendance at Lezama gave the Lionesses a standing ovation in honour of the players’ performance.

A third victory on the bounce for Iturregi’s side, who have now won four out of their last five matches. Next Saturday they will put their streak on the line against Sevilla FC.