Athletic Club - Atlético de Madrid Femenino

Athletic Club Women secured a deserved victory over Atlético Madrid at Lezama on Wednesday night. The Lionesses hosted a very strong fourth-placed team, but goals from Lucía García in the first half and Ane Azkona in the second half helped Athletic to a 2-1 win.

It was a record-breaking night for Erika Vázquez, who overtook Eli Ibarra as the Lionesses’ all-time record appearance maker.

The match started at a canter with the visitors taking the early initiative. However, Athletic managed to find a goal against the run of play when Lucía García took advantage of a rebound in the six-yard box to beat Lola Gallardo in the 11th minute.

Athletic improved after the goal and could have increased their lead. But in an evenly-matched first half, the Colchoneras equalised courtesy of a Kgatlana strike.

After the break Atlético came out firing and had a two early chances via Kgatlana and Banini, then in Amanda Sampedro shot over the crossbar in the 57th minute. At the other end, Azkona had an effort saved by Lola Gallardo.

The game was back and forth. Peke, who had just come on, forced an excellent save from Lola in the 72nd minute. Athletic made it 2-1 four minutes later, Lucia García and Ane Azkona linking up on a counter which the latter finished off.

Good play between the strikers who have now have nine goals each and are the top scorers in the team.

It was an intense final stretch as the visitors forced Athletic to defend their lead with tooth and nail.

In the end the Lionesses held out to take home all three points. An important win which offers a confidence boost ahead of league leaders FC Barcelona’s visit to Lezama on Sunday.