Athletic Club fell to a superior FC Barcelona side at San Mamés (1-8)
Athletic Club lost to FC Barcelona, the all-powerful Copa and Liga F champions, in front of more than ten thousand people at San Mames.
Javi Lerga's players were brave, but the Blaugranas demonstrated their superiority throughout. Athletic's goal, scored by Maite Zubieta from almost the halfway line, drew applause from the stands.
The Zurigorris started the match well. Although the Azulgranas dominated possession, the Zurigorris controlled their rival's attempts to get in to the box.
That was until Salma Paralluelo managed to shake off her marker in the box and set up the opening goal for Vicky Lopez, who tapped in a perfectly weighted pass.
Critical moments arrived for the Lionesses after that goals. Patri Guijarro scored from close to the halfway life after seeing Adriana Nanclares off her line, while Ewa Pajor add the second and third goals.
Before the end of the first half, the Polish player scored again. This came after a few minutes in which Nanclares made two very good saves and Sara Ortega went close to scoring for Athletic. The midfielder pounced on a mishap by goalkeeper Cata Coll but, with only defenders between Sara and the goal, her shot crashed into Mapi León.
In the second half, Pere Romeu's side didn't take their foot off the gas. They scored another goal, albeit a dubious one, which ended up being credited as an own goal by Nanclares, Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmatí struck twice, both into the top corner, and Vicky got her second of the afternoon.
In between, Maite Zubieta brought everyone to their feet with a stunning goal from almost 50-yards out, and Barça's former Lioness, Irene Paredes, drew applause from San Mamés when she was substituted late on.
