Sara Monforte’s side lose in Lezama but fight until the very end against a good Athletic side
Villarreal Women have been beaten once more in the tough Primera Iberdrola league. The Yellows faced one of the leading teams in the division, and lost 2-1 to Athletic Club, but went head-to-head with them throughout the tie.
Athletic went ahead early on through a powerful effort from Peke from the edge of the box, that went in the top corner, out of Pamela Tajonar’s reach. With 25 minutes on the clock, Erika scored the second, finishing a nice team move by the Basque side. Villarreal grew into the game, and had a few good chances, like a Raquel Pinel cross, which was nearly met by Vera Rico.
In the second half, Villarreal reacted quickly. It was 2-1 only three minutes in. Sara Medina scored a great free-kick that nearly broke the net at Lezama. In the closing stages of the game, Belén tried a lob but it just went off target. Zaïra also could have equalised, by her effort was saved easily by Quiñones.
Next up for Sara Monforte’s side is an away game at Atlético Madrid.
Lineups:
Athletic Club Women: Quiñones; Naroa, Valdezate, V. Gimbert, Moraza; M. Unzué (m. 73, Mariana), Itxaso; Azkona, Corres (m. 45, Lucía García); Erika V., Peke.
Villarreal Women: T. Alonso; Olivia, Lara Mata, I. Miguélez (m. 71, Zaïra Flores), Ainoa, Soldevila; Pinel S. (m.82, Sara Bermell), Bea Prades (m. 62, Estefa), S. Medina, Vera Rico (m.45, Belén); Sheila (m. 82, Laura Royo).
Goals: 1-0. Min. 8: Peke. 2-0. Min. 25: Erika. 2-1. Min 48: S. Medina.
Referee: María Eugenia Gil Soriano. Booked: Itxaso, Valdezate (Athletic Club).
Stadium: Lezama.
