Real Madrid - Athletic Club

The Lionesses lost 2-0 against Real Madrid in their Matchday 23 fixture at the Alfredo Di Stéfano. Real Madrid put the game to bed  in the second half thanks to goals from internationals Athenea and Nahikari.

It was an evenly-matched affair in the first half and the Lionesses even had the chance to take the lead, but Toril’s team took advantage of a mistake to break the deadlock.

Athletci’s Azkona and Madrid’s Assllani both had chances to put their sides ahead within the first five minutes. Fortunately for Athletic, Moraza blocked the Swedish international’s shot and kept out the danger.

Real Madrid pressed forward on the half-hour mark and almost scored through Esther, but Quiñones saved her shot. Toril’s side put the Lionesses under pressure for several minutes. On the verge of half-time, in a messy move, Athletic again cleared the ball away from their area.

Yulema Corres sent a ball against the crossbar with her head just after the start of the second half. Real Madrid soon recovered and Athenea went close on a couple of ocassions. At the other end, Lucía García shot over the bar in the 60th minute.

Shortly after, a mistake in the Athletic defence led to a Real Madrid goal in the 70th minute, Athenea taking advantage of a rebound.

Nahikari put the game to bed in the 86th minute after finishing alone in front of Quiñones. Real Madrid, who remain unbeaten in 2022, could have done more damage, but the game ended 2-0 at the Afredo Di Stéfano.

Athletic Club came home empty -handed from Valdebebas, but next Saturday they will have another chance against Madrid CFF at Lezama.