Athletic bounce back to open Víctor Martín’s era with 3-1

Athletic made a winning start to Víctor Martín’s reign, beating Badalona Women 3-1 at Lezama after a game that flipped completely after the break.

Turnaround after the early blow

The visitors struck first: Irina put Badalona ahead in the 14th minute. Athletic took time to react, with Badalona well set and defending in a compact way, but the match tilted toward the home side just before halftime.

The equaliser came from Clara Pinedo, who made it 1-1 in the 42nd minute with a volley after a move that started from a throw-in. Before the break, Athletic created more chances to take the lead, though the teams went into the dressing room level.

Two goals seal the comeback

In the second half, the pressure became constant. The comeback was completed by the substitutes: first, Ane Azkona made it 2-1 in the 72nd minute after a poor defensive clearance, and then Jone Amezaga added the third in the 76th minute, finishing with a chip over the goalkeeper.

The chronicle by Mundo Deportivo also points out how the coach’s changes paid off immediately, while a penalty for a possible red card for Itziar over a challenge from behind ended up staying as yellow.

All in all, it was an ideal debut for the Madrid coach: as Mundo Deportivo reports, Athletic’s final margin reflected their clear, deserved control once the turnaround started.