Athletic Club - Real Betis Féminas

Athletic Club and Real Betis shared the points after their mid-week fixture at Lezama. The Lionesses were far superior to their opponents, but Betis’ goalkeeper Gael Thalmann was the star of the match with several spectacular saves, while Athletic also hit the crossbar three times.

In the second half, Iraia Iturregi’s side put the visitors under enormous pressure. They had several chances to win but were unable to take the three points home.

Ane Azkona was the first to get in on goal but Thalmann got down low to deny her. Shortly after, in the 11th minute Erika Vazques was unable to connect with a good header from Oihane’s cross.

Betis were nowhere close to troubling Quiñones. But in the 25th minute Asantewaa headed in a ball from the edge of the area and the no.1 could not stop it from going in.

Just before the break, Folds could have made it 2-0, but Mariasun Quiñones got a hand to it. At the other end, Eunate, smashed the ball against the crossbar with her right foot.

In the 70th minute Eunate set up Lucía García with a good ball, but the striker failed to hit the target. Unzué then crossed for Azkona, but her shot went wide and Lucia García tried to surprise Thalmann with a long-range shot.

Suddenly, the Lionesses began to get more aggressive in attack. Thalmann saved a close-range shot from Lucia in the six-yard box. Azkona then struck the crossbar after getting on the end of a precise cross from Gimbert.

In the 83rd minute, Azkona was rewarded for her hard work. Oguiza headed at goal and the Swiss goalkeeper made another great save, but the rebound landed at the feet of Azkona’s, who smashed the ball into the back of the net to seal the one-all draw.

The Lionesses went all out for the comeback. Thalmann, in a display of inspiration, saved another shot from Nekane in the 86th minute. If it wasn’t the goalkeeper, it was the crossbar. Unzué hit the woodwork from distance,

The game ended 1-1 and the Lionesses, who gave their all, will now switch their attentions to the upcoming fixture against Levante.