Women's football enjoyed a great night at San Mamés, with nearly 23,000 spectators braving the cold and rain to support Athletic Club Women during their 1-3 derby defeat against Real Sociedad.

There was a large number of children on hand to cheer on the Lionesses despite the difficulties on the pitch.

Athletic, with a handful of young players in their ranks, gave their all until the end, but were unable to overcome a Real Sociedad side who played off their powerful forwards, Amaiur Sarriegi and Venezuelan forward Gaby scoring the goals.

After an initial spark from Jone Amezaga, it was Amaiaur who made it 0-1 in the sixth minute when she collected a shot from Nerea Eizagirre. The home side looked to recover quickly, Valdezate hitting the crossbar from a corner taken by Nevado.

Las Rojiblancas's equaliser came in the 17th minute. A pass from Oihane Hernández released Jone Amezaga at speed and the 17-year-old, making her San Mamés debut, shrugged off a challenging defender to slot under Nanclares after a race to the goal.

Quiñones denied Amaiur with a good save, just before Gaby sent the visitors into the break with a 1-2 lead.

The Lionesses struggled to find their rhythm after the break and Gaby got her second of the match in the 48th minute.

Athletic did not give up, however, and had chances to pull one back. Peke tried her luck with a left-footed shot, while Sara Ortega put Azkona through on goal with a well-placed switch, but the former smashed her effort straight at Nanclares.

The biggest positive of the night for Athletic was the retun of Naroa Uriarte after an 11-month injury lay-off. The defender almost capped off her return with a goal.

The Athleticzales at San Mamés recognised the Lionesses' never-say-die attitude and stayed behind after full-time to make sure the players got a proper send-off.

San Mamés will now close until Chivas visit on December 11.

Athletic Club1 : 3Real Sociedad