Athletic achieved a 1‑0 victory over Valencia in Lezama, thanks to a goal from Sara Ortega that, after hitting first the post and then the back of goalkeeper Alize, slipped into the net. The result keeps Víctor Martín's team in the fight for the European zone, while Valencia continues without scoring in the season.
The match was not easy for the red and whites. Valencia, under the direction of Mikel Crespo, adopted a compact five-player defense and concentrated the home team in the wide zone, making it difficult to create opportunities. During the first half, Athletic had few clear chances, with shots from Agote and the visitor Yasmin hitting the post. The dominance of the Bilbao team intensified after the break, but the score did not change until the 61st minute.
At that moment, the play began with a good action by Agote that left Ortega with the opportunity to shoot. The ball hit the post and, after bouncing off the goalkeeper's back, entered the goal, sealing the lead. From that moment on, Athletic increased the pressure and generated several opportunities, especially with the newly incorporated Jone Amezaga. However, the lack of effectiveness in front of Valencia's goal allowed the visiting team to maintain the advantage until the end.
Defensively, Athletic showed solidity, with international Nanclares making crucial saves. Valencia, for its part, suffered the expulsion of Sáez in the 95th minute for a double yellow card, which left the team with ten players and no chance of scoring in the final minutes. Referee María Gloria Planas also reprimanded Agote and Pauleta for their interventions.
With this victory, Athletic consolidates its European aspirations, while Valencia continues without scoring points in the League. Athletic's next match is presented as an opportunity to continue strengthening its position in the table and maintain pressure on the teams competing in the European zone.