Athletic Club - Deportivo Alavés

A comprehensive victory for the Lionesses. The first official derby between Athletic Club and Deportivo Alavés ended 4-1. Athletic dominated the match, putting in an impressive display of attacking power. Ane Azkona scored a brace, while Yulema Corres and Lucía García added the other Athletic goals.

Iraia Iturregi’s side were relentless in attack, delighting the Lezama crowd on a rainy Saturday morning. Yulema Corres opened the scoring on four minutes after a good move by Sophie Istillart,  the French player midfielder playing in the striker at the back post.

The Lionesses went for more and laid siege to the opponents box. Yulema went close to scoring a second, but it was Ane Azkona, with her fourth goal of the season, who made it 2-0.

The chances and counter-attacks followed one after the other and Alavés’ goalkeeper Cris Cornejo kept the score respectable going with some great saves.

Deportivo Alavés were different side after the restart. Mikel Crespo’s team tried to play more in Athletic’s half and managed to force a penalty in the 55th minute, with Miriam converting the spot-kick.

The Babazorro side changed their system and began to believe the comeback was on. However, the Lionesses continued to make dangerous forays into the opposing area as the minutes ticked away.

In the final stretch of the game, and after the visitors lost the ball in defence, Lucía Garía once again set up Azkona to make it 3-1 in the 87th minute, a fifth goal of the campaign for the speedy striker.

With time running out, Lucía García added to her two assists with a goal of her own. The forwardconverting the penatly she had won.

Just rewards for a fantastic team performance by the Lionesses in Lezama. Athletic Club move back into fourth place on 23 points and spirit are high as they look ahead to Saturday’s trip to Tenerife.