Athletic Club

Athletic Women start season with draw at Lezama

Athletic Club faced a combative CD Tenerife in a season opener that brought several debuts and a lot of intensity

Athletic Club earned a point in their opening match of the official Liga F season. The Zurigorris hosted CD Tenerife at Lezama.

With our new head coach the home bench for the first time, the Canary Islanders, very physical and intense throughout, made things very difficult for Javi Lerga's side. In addition, academy product Oihana Agirregomezkorta made her debut in the starting line-up alongside fellow debutant Ane Campos.

The Lionesses did not start well and CD Tenerife's aggressive approach prevailed in the early stages. Athletic were a bit sloppy but improved as the minutes passed.

The Canarian side pressed high up and were fierce opponents. There were hardly any chances in the first half. Tenerife's Aithiara and Athletic's Campos went closest to opening the scoring as the first half finished 0-0.

After the restart, and despite the increasing heat typical, the intensity continued to rise as both clubs searched for their first win of the season.

Vilariño, following a move by Jone Amezaga down the right wing, missed from close to the penalty spot in the 75th minute. Shortly afterwards, Tenerife's Carlota tried her luck with a header.

Adriana Nanclares was very solid in goal against an opponent that makes the most of crosses from the wings. The Athletic goalkeeper produced an important stop to deny Carlota in the 84th minute.

The Lionesses will play FC Barcelona at San Mamés next Sunday at 12:00 CEST.