Athletic Club - Deportivo Alavés

Athletic Club Women picked up three vital points in their LaLiga F Matchday 25 fixture against Deportivo Alavés at Lezama. The visitors' Sanadri hit the crossbar in stoppage time and then, with seconds left on the clock, Oihane Valdezate scored the winning goal for the Lionesses.

In the build-up to the match, Sofia Otero, a nine-year-old actress from Basauri, winner of the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, took a ceremonial kick-off.

The first half at Lezama was evenly matched, the two teams had obviously done their home work and were cancelling each other out. Defences reigned supreme and there were few chances for either side. Oguiza had the clearest chance for the Lionesses, but Larqué made a good save. For Alavés, it was Carrillo who went closest to giving them the lead. 

After the break, Iraia Iturregi ringed the changes and Athletic began to press higher with Peke and Arana up front. In the 68th minute, Azkona threatened with an attempt that went over the crossbar. Then Arana smashed an effort off the woodwork after a great team move.

The Lionesess kept pushing and got their reward. But not before receiving a fright. In stoppage time, Sanadri almost put the visitors ahead with a long-range shot that hit the crossbar. Then, in the 95th minute, Valdezate sent the Lezama wild. Nerea Nevado swung in a perfect cross and the centre-back headed in to secure a hard-fought three points in Lezama.