Athletic Club - Granada CF

Athletic Club Women picked up a last-gasp 2-1 win over Granada CF in the first home match of Liga F 2024/25.

The Lionesses found relief and the three points in a hard-fought match against Granada CF with Nevado's goal near the end. The defender also helped set up Nahikari's equaliser after Lauri's early goal.

Athletic academy graduate Maitane Vilariño made her debut at right-back in the absence of Elexpuru against a Granada side which put up a serious fight at Lezama.

David Aznar's side lacked control at their home pitch, a fortress last year, and found it very difficult to overcome the Andalusians. Zugasti, very combative up front, could have opened the scoring but it was Lauri, captain of Granada CF, who took advantage of a relaxed Zurigorri defence to make it 1-0 in the 12th minute.

Pinedo responded with a shot that hit the crossbar before Nahikari's goal on the half hour mark. Nevado swung in a fantastic delivery which the forward sent home.

However, Granada CF, brave in their approach, continued to threaten. Etna, giving Athletic's centre-backs a lot of work to do, hit the crossbar just after the start of the second half.

The 1-1 scoreline reflected how evenly matched the game was, although Azkona had a great chance after some good play between Pinedo and Zugasti. David Aznar made four changes almost at the same time, leaving a line of three in defence. There were 15 minutes left to secure the first home win of the season.

Jujuga headed high from another corner and Nevado, having switched position, tried her luck but failed to find the target. However, the player's determination was rewarded when her cross took a deflection and hit the Granada net in the 89th minute.

The Athleticzales, always confident of a comeback and who were so important last season, were overjoyed. In injury time, Nanclares kept out the danger with a great fist as Athletic began to savour their second victory of the campaign.

Two out of two for the Lionesses this season. Now it's time to think about Sunday's difficult game against Real Madrid.