Madrid defeated by Athletic Club

Real Madrid lost to Athletic Club on matchday 17 of the Liga F, at the Alfredo Di Stéfano stadium. Pau Quesada's side dominated the first half and had chances to take the lead, but had no luck and were also denied by a good performance from the opposition goalkeeper. A goal midway through the second half gave the visitors the win.

The start of the game was marked by a fortuitous blow to goalkeeper Nanclares, which forced her to be substituted. After the 8-minute break, Madrid picked up the pace gradually and took control of the ball by pressing high up the pitch. They looked to get down the wings to get past the Bilbao defence with Athenea and Eva Navarro very active, but it was through the centre that they had the best chance of the first half. A three-way move sent Weir one-on-one with Santana, who pushed the Madridista's shot behind for a corner in the 22nd minute. Madrid's five shots on goal to the visitors' none and almost 70% possession reflected their superiority in the first half despite the goalless scoreline.

 

The team pushed until the final whistle
Pau Quesada reshuffled the pack in the second half with Pau C., Linda C., Däbritz and Holmgaard coming on. Athletic had pushed up the pitch and both teams were getting forward regularly. Weir could have opened the scoring in the 59th minute with a shot inside the box that Santana again saved. But it was Athletic Club who took the lead six minutes later when Ortega's shot went in off the post. Madrid found themselves behind after total dominance in the first half and continued to press forward dangerously but were unable to finish. Alba Redondo came on as the Whites played with two strikers for the final stretch. The other was Toletti, who was returning from injury. Both had their chances to equalise. The clearest chance came from Redondo, whose shot from just a few yards out was saved by the visiting goalkeeper, who gave her team the three points.

MATCH INFO:
0-Real Madrid: Misa, Shei (Alba Redondo, 74’), Rocío, M. Méndez, Yasmim (Däbritz, 57’), Angeldahl (Holmgaard, 57’), Irune (Toletti, 82’), Weir, Eva Navarro (Pau C., 46’), Athenea (Linda C., 57’), Iris Ashley.
1-Athletic Club: A. Nanclares (Santana, 4’), Landaluze, Bibi, Valero, M. Zubieta, Azkona (Campos, 80’), S. Ortega, Vilariño (Agote, 62’), Elexpuru (Nerea N., 66’), Nerea B., Gurtubay (Eider, 80’).

Goals
0-1 (min. 65’): Ortega.