Updates from Bilbao as the Lionesses take on Real Sociedad in the Liga F Basque Derby at San Mames
Athletic beat Real Sociedad 2-0 in front of 21,153 people at San Mames thanks to an Ane Azkona brace. Following Atlético's draw against Deportivo La Coruña, this victory sees the Lionesses move up to third in La Liga F, a Champions League place.
What's more, Athletic have also improved their head-to-head record against Real Sociedad, a direct rival for European qualification.
On a splendid morning in Bilbao, everyone who came to La Catedral was able to enjoy a great game, which had chances from the first moment. Both teams had plenty of chances, but were unable to take advantage of them.
In the fourth minute, David Aznar's players had already taken their third corner and Elexpuru had put Arrula to the test. Athletic dominated the opening stages, but as the minutes went by, the visitors gained the upper hand and enjoyed their best chances through Amaiur and Eizagirre. Nanclares, as usual, responded perfectly in both actions.
Ane Azkona opened the scoring in the 27th minute after some great work down the right flank by Elexpuru and Pinedo. A few minutes later, Azkona could have extended the lead with a header that was cleared off the line.
Real Sociedad started the second half pressing high and doing damage from set pieces. However, Athletic, via Azkona, struck th killer blow around the hour mark. Sara Ortega nodded on a Vilariño cross and the Lionesses captain managed to tuck it away.
Nanclares was at her imperious best, keeping a clean sheet to secure the derby and third place in the Champions League.
The team celebrated, San Mamés celebrated. Let the party continue. The Lionesses return to San Mames on Sunday March 2, facing Real Madrid.
