Real Sociedad - Athletic Club
Matchday 16
Liga F

Real Sociedad - Athletic Club

Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad
10
Athletic Club
Athletic Club
  • 22' N. Eizagirre

LocationReale Arena , Donostia

The Lionesses fall to narrow loss in the Basque Derby

Athletic Club lose 1-0 at the Reale Arena despite an an excellent second half performance

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Athletic Club Women came home empty handed from their Primera Iberdrola Basque Derby tie against Real Sociedad Women at the Reale Arena. The home side were 1-0 winners, repeating the scoreline from the return fixture at San Mamés earlier in the season.

Iraia Iturregi’s side conceded in the first half. And although they harried their opponents relentlessly in the second half as they sought an equaliser, they got no reward for their fine attacking performance. The Txuri-urdin successfully defended their lead and took the derby.

Just like the match at San Mamés, it was a tight and thrilling encounter in which the Lionesses and Guipuzcoans went toe-to-toe under the heavy rain in San Sebastian.

The match got off to an explosive start, with plenty of action inside the first five minutes. Amaiur tested Mariasun Quiñones with a low shot early on. Then in the sixth minute, Lucía García had a goal disallowed after a dubious offiside call.

Nerea Eizagirre put the home side ahead with a long-range shot on 20 minutes. After that both sides had chances and Iraia Iturregi’s Lionesses were particularly dangerous in the opposition area. For example, la Real keeper Elene Lete stopped Marta Unzue from equalising in the 40th minute.

Athletic came out firing after the restart, attacking with precision and pressing Real Sociedad high up the pitch. Midfielder Sophie Istillart forced Lete into another save with a powerful shot. The visitors had the upper hand, but could not make it count on the scoreboard.

Lucía García almost equalised in the 72nd minute but failed to hit the target when through on goal. The Lionesses were pushing hard for an equaliser but la Real’s defence was resolute.

In the end, a goal was enough for Real Sociedad to win. There will be no time to stew over the undeserved defeat, as on Wednesday Athletic welcome Real Betis to Lezama.