Rayo Vallecano - Athletic Club

The Lionesses won 0-2 against Rayo Vallecano in their Primera Iberdrola Matchday 10 fixture at Vallecas.

In the first half, Athletic Club made their attacking power count, Naroa Uriarte and Lucía García effectively putting the game to bed a goal each in the first 45. In the second half, with Rayo more willing to attack, the Lionesses defended well to maintain their lead until full-time.

Athletic Club controlled the pace from the beginning, looking dangerous on the flanks and solid at the back. The first goal came in the 10th minute, Naroa taken advantage of Peke’s well-taken corner to get her first senior goal.

The team went on the offensive and could have opened up more of a gap. Lucia Garcia had a couple of chances and in the 26th minute she finally got here goal when she dribbled past their keeper Larque to double the away side’s lead.

Rayo’s major threat came via Milenne, but goalkeeper Quiñones and the defenders were reslolute in defence. The Lionesses went into the interval 0-2 ahead.

Solid at the back

After the break, Paula Arana’s could have put the game beyond the visitors’ reach, but her shot went just over the crossbar. Rayo had their best moments shortly afterwards, pushing Athletic into their area and forcing Quiñones into making some important saves.

The game was starting to swing in Rayo’s favour, with Athletic struggling to get a grip on the affair. Athletic’s only chance was a counter in which Larque denied the tireless Ane Azkona.

In the final stretch, Athletic once again reasseted their authority. Only some heroics by Larque denying the Rojiblancas a third.

The duel ended with a third Athletic win in consecutive seasons at Vallecas. What’s more it is a welcome morale-booster ahead of Sporting Huelva’s visit to Lezama next Saturday.