UD Tenerife - Athletic Club

Athletic Club Women’s La Palmera curse continued as they came away empty-handed for a seventh consecutive season. Iraia Iturregi’s side played well in first half, but in the first five minutes after the break, UDG Tenerife scored two goals in quick succession through their two top scorers, María José and Martín-Prieto.

The first half was very physical and evenly matched, just as had been predicted. Making the most of their home advantage, Tenerife got off to the better start but they were unable to find a way past Quiñones.

Athletic’s Lucía García tried to surprise Aline Reis from 40 metres out but the keeper just about managed to deal with it. The Canary Islanders were getting into good positions down the flanks, but the Athletic defence was able to keep the danger at bay. Lucia had another great chance in the 17th minute but Aline saved the striker’s attempt again.

Then Paola forced Quiñones into a good save with a shot across goal. It was 0-0 at half-time and the game was wide open.

After the restart, Tenerife’s star players broke the deadlock in an instant. First María José took advantage of a good delivery to beat Quiñones and, a little later, Martín-Prieto made it 2-0 after a messy move in the box.

This was a huge blow for the Lionesses. Tenerife proceeded to take control of the game, and Athletic struggled to create anything while staved of possession.

Lucía García could have pulled one back, but her left-footed shot went high. The game ended with the feeling that five minutes were enough for the Tenerife side to beat the Lionesses, who lose fourth place to their opponents today.

The next up the Lionesses see out 2021 with a game against Atlético de Madrid at Lezama on Wednesday. A golden opportunity to end the year on a high.