Athletic Femenino Seals a Key Victory with Cup Flavor and Referee Controversy

The red and whites beat Badalona Women in a match marked by dubious decisions and a ghost goal.

The Municipal of Palamós witnessed an intense sporting battle this May 2, 2026, where the team led by Javi Lerga won a golden victory against Badalona Women. With this narrow victory (0-1), the lionesses take a firm step towards their goal of qualifying among the top eight of the F Moeve League, a milestone that would allow them to avoid the previous round in the next edition of the Queen's Cup. The final score, however, does not reflect Bilbao's superiority or the wasted chances, which could have extended the advantage.

From the opening whistle, Athletic took the reins of the match. The insistence of Anne Azkona It was soon noticed. In a promising move, the Navarrese forward dodged the local goalkeeper, Abdonbut lost control of the ball just before he could shoot into an empty goal. Shortly after, her own Azkona was the subject of an entry that the referee, Lorena del Mardecided not to sanction it as a penalty, despite the red and white protests. It was the first of a series of referee decisions that would mark the future of the match.

Athletic's insistence translated into clear opportunities. Elexpurucelebrating his 23rd birthday, tried his luck with a powerful shot, while Ogiza He crashed a header into the crossbar. The pressure from Bilbao was constant, seeking to break the Catalan resistance.

The second half of the first half brought with it more controversy. A powerful shot from the red and white side seemed to cross the goal line, but the referee, after reviewing the play on the monitor, again rejected the action. Frustration may have taken over the team, but determination prevailed. The reward for persistence came shortly before half-time, when an inside pass left Azkona in an unbeatable position to beat Abdon with a cross shot, establishing the score at 0-1. An advantage that, clearly, seemed short given the dynamics of the match.

The second half began with a crucial intervention by Abdonwho managed to thwart a point-blank shot by Exhaust. Badalona, in need of points, advanced lines in search of a tie, but Athletic continued to create danger. Elexpuru He was once again the protagonist, crashing another ball into the woodwork. In the subsequent play, an entry on Amezaga inside the area was again overlooked by the referee, unleashing a new wave of protests.

Abdon He emerged as the saving figure of Badalona, frustrating a shot from Gurtubay with a great stretch. The local goal and referee decisions seemed to be the only obstacles to a more resounding victory for Athletic.

Badalona had its clearest opportunity in the final minutes. A shot at an empty goal Banini from the penalty spot was saved in extremis under the sticks by Landaluzeavoiding what would have been a tie and a result that would not have reflected Athletic's superiority. The lionesses deserved to return home with a higher income, but the victory, despite the controversy, is a crucial step forward in their aspirations.

Athletic's performance demonstrated solidity and ambition, despite adversity. Qualification for the Queen's Cup is closer, a goal that excites the fans and confirms the good work of the coaching staff and the players.

Match Sheet

Equipment	Result
BADALONA WOMEN	0
ATHLETIC	1

Lineups

BADALONA WOMEN: Abdon, Cristina Cubedo, Ana González, Majarín (Kullashi, min. 79), Pinillos, Irina Uribe (Junge, min. 74), Lorena Navarro (Jankovska, min. 46), Paula Sánchez (Rojo, min. 88), Julve, Banini, Lice Chamorro.

ATHLETIC: Nanclares, Elexpuru, Landaluze, Eider, Nerea Nevado (Nerea Benito, min. 85), Sara Ortega, Oguiza (Valero, min. 59), Gurtubay (Leire Baños, min. 90), Vilariño (Amezaga, min. 59), Agote, Azkona (Clara Pinedo, min. 85).

Goals

0-1: Azkona (min. 35)

referee

Lorena del Mar (Andalusian Committee). He cautioned Oguiza (min. 23), Vilariño (min. 38), Sara Ortega (min. 78), Valero (min. 92).

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final result of the match?: The final result was 0-1 in favor of Athletic.
Who scored Athletic's goal?: The goal was scored by Azkona in the 35th minute.
What objective does Athletic pursue with this victory?: The objective is to classify among the first eight of the F Moeve League to avoid the previous round of the Queen's Cup.
Was there any controversial play?: Yes, there were several controversial plays, including two possible penalties not indicated and a ghost goal from Elexpuru.
Who was the outstanding goalkeeper of Badalona Women?: The goalkeeper Abdon He made several key interventions that kept Badalona in the game.
At what minute was the winning goal scored?: Azkona's goal was scored in the minute 35.
When was this match played?: The match was played on 05/02/2026.
How important is this victory for Athletic?: It is an important victory to consolidate their position in the table and get closer to qualifying for the Copa de la Reina.
Who is the Athletic coach?: The Athletic coach is Javi Lerga.
Where was the game played?: The match was played at the Municipal de Palamós.