The Lionesses played a brilliant game, having the better chances in the first half, but conceded two late goals to an all-powerful Barça in the dying minutes
David Aznar's players took to the San Mamés pitch with the intention of taking the match to FC Barcelona and despite the difficult entailed, they put in a proud performance.
Pere Romeu's Barça played with a high line, trying to pin Athletic back. However, David Aznar's side looked to disrupt the Blaugrana strategy, keeping the visitors on their toes with rapid transitions.
Athletic almost went 1-0 up, hitting the woodwork twice with successive chances in the 25th minute. Ane Elexpuru played a quick free-kick to Sara Ortega, whose cross found Ane Azkona at the far post. Ane crashed the ball against the crossbar and Leire Baños headed the rebound against the post.
The Lionesses were going toe-to-toe with the best team in the world, much to the delight of the 17,698 spectators who cheered on from the stands at The Cathedral.
Even with ten players on the pitch while Ane Azkona was receiving treatment, Claudia Pina almost gave Athletic the lead. Adriana Nanclares was barely troubled at the other end, and things were all square at the break.
The Lionesses exertions began to take their toll in the second half and they broke forward less often in the second half.
Barça continued to probe for an opener but the Zurigorri defended resolutely and could count on an inspired Adriana Nanclares, who denied Vicky López with a fantastic save when the Barça forward went through on goal.
Nerea Nevado went off injured and Claudia Fernández came on to make her Athletic Club debut in Liga F.
Clara Pinedo fired wide after a Sara Ortega counter-attack. Athletic were digging deep and it seemed they might pick up an unexpected point, or more.
Nerea Nevado went off injured and Claudia Fernández came on to make her Athletic Club debut in Liga F.
As the match surged towards injury time, the Athleticzales in attendance began to believe, but FC Barcelona had other plans.
In the 90th minute, Alex Putellas pounced on a poor clearance to make it 0-1. A dagger to the heart, which Vicky buried deeper two minutes later. An undeserved scoreline for the Lionesses.
Athletic's work ethic and courage showed why they are where they are in the standings. Without a doubt, this young team will give us many more San Mames performances to be proud of.
Real Sociedad and Real Madrid are set to visit La Catedral in the near future. And based on today's display, these are not matches to be missed.
