On a historic day for UD Tenerife, the team faced off against Athletic Club at the Nuevo San Mamés in Bilbao, marking their first visit to the iconic stadium since its inauguration in 2013. The match, held on April 27, 2025, at 11:00 AM local time, saw a spirited crowd of 10,086 fans in attendance, eager to witness the clash between the two sides.
The game started with both teams looking to establish their dominance early on. Athletic Club, currently sitting fourth in the league standings, was determined to secure a win to maintain their position in the race for European qualification. Meanwhile, UD Tenerife, in seventh place with 35 points, aimed to bounce back from a disappointing loss against Atlético Madrid in their previous match.
As the match progressed, it was Athletic Club who struck first, with Irene Oguiza finding the back of the net in the 49th minute. Just six minutes later, Daniela Agote doubled the lead for the home side, scoring at the 55-minute mark. The goals showcased Athletic Club's attacking prowess and their need for a strong performance to keep pace with the teams above them in the standings.
UD Tenerife's coach Eder Maestre had emphasized the importance of the match, urging his players to approach the game with enthusiasm and determination. "We need to live the match with excitement and the desire to cause an upset," he stated before the game. The team had experienced a rough patch, winning only one of their last eight matches, which added pressure to secure a positive result.
Despite the early goals from Athletic Club, UD Tenerife fought back, looking to exploit their opponents' inconsistencies, particularly at home, where Athletic Club had struggled with only one win in their last seven matches at San Mamés. The visitors were determined to capitalize on this and sought to push forward in search of a goal.
As the match wore on, tensions rose, with Natalia Ramos of Granadilla Tenerife receiving a yellow card in the 76th minute, highlighting the physical nature of the encounter. The referee, María Gloria Planes Terol, kept a close eye on the proceedings, ensuring the game remained competitive but fair.
In the closing stages of the match, Garazi Facila was substituted in for Athletic Club in the 86th minute, while Lena Silano made her exit for Granadilla Tenerife, both teams looking to freshen up their lineups as they headed towards the final whistle. Athletic Club's coach David Aznar expressed the need for his team to maintain focus, stating, "We must keep our eyes on Tenerife and then see what happens with the rest of the results. We need to win to go into the next match with hope and excitement."
A significant storyline leading into the match was the return of Ainize Barea 'Peke' to the Athletic Club squad after a maternity leave that began in March 2024. Peke, who gave birth in August 2024, began training again in January 2025 and was eager to contribute to her team's efforts. Aznar expressed his joy at Peke's return, noting, "She has fought hard, and it is a beautiful experience for all of us to have her back in such a wonderful setting like San Mamés."
Another key player for Athletic Club, Clara Pinedo, also returned to the lineup after recovering from a muscle injury that had sidelined her for seven matches. However, the team would be without forward Sara Ortega, who was suspended for the match.
As the match drew to a close, Athletic Club maintained their two-goal lead, showcasing their defensive strength and tactical discipline. UD Tenerife, despite their efforts, struggled to find a way past the resolute home defense. The final whistle confirmed a crucial victory for Athletic Club, allowing them to keep pace in the tightly contested league standings.
With this win, Athletic Club solidified their position in the top four, now sitting three points ahead of their next opponent, Atlético Madrid, whom they will face next week. The victory not only boosts morale but also keeps their Champions League aspirations alive as they look to secure a spot in European competition.
Meanwhile, UD Tenerife will need to regroup and refocus as they continue their campaign, having faced a tough opponent in Athletic Club. The team will look to learn from this experience and aim to improve their performance in the upcoming matches.
Overall, the match at San Mamés was a thrilling encounter filled with emotion, history, and the spirit of competition. As both teams move forward, the stakes remain high, with each match crucial in the final stretch of the season.
