Athletic Femenino: A Season of Unmet Expectations and Lingering Questions

The Athletic Club Femenino concluded their 2025-26 season with a win against Alhama, a positive note to end a campaign that ultimately fell short of the board's, coaching staff's, and players' initial aspirations. The primary goal was to replicate the previous season's fourth-place finish, a target that proved elusive as the team secured seventh place with 44 points. This left them 10 points adrift of fourth and a considerable 22 points behind the third-place spot that offers a Champions League preliminary round qualification.

A Minor Consolation

The only significant consolation from the season is securing a direct spot in the Copa de la Reina's round of 16 for the 2026-27 campaign, a tangible reward for finishing within the top eight. However, this is viewed as a minor achievement in the context of the season's broader ambitions.

Early Stumbles and Injury Woes

The season began on a challenging note, significantly impacted by injuries to key players. Coach Javi Lerga frequently cited the limited squad availability as a major handicap. These early difficulties set a difficult tone, with the team enduring a nine-match winless streak. This period included six draws, some at home against Tenerife, Sevilla, and Dux Logroño, and away matches against Espanyol, Atletico, and Alhama. Three defeats against formidable opponents like Barcelona (8-1), Deportivo Abanca (1-0), and Real Madrid (4-1) compounded the problems. This early slump saw Athletic flirting with the relegation zone, occupying 14th place with only six points from a possible 27, just one point above the red zone.

Turning the Tide

The team's first victory finally arrived in the tenth matchday against Eibar at Lezama. This marked the beginning of a positive run, with seven consecutive unbeaten matches, before a heavy 5-0 defeat to Tenerife halted their momentum.

Coach's Reflection

Javi Lerga acknowledged the team's failure to reach its potential, accepting responsibility as the head coach. He expressed a need for reflection, stating, "We have not reached the level we could have reached. This is the coach's responsibility." Despite the disappointing results, Lerga conveyed satisfaction with the team's resilience, attitude, and daily commitment. He noted the pressure of unmet expectations: "Not being within the expectations that had been generated can hurt you. We have focused on the process."

Home Struggles

A recurring issue throughout the season was the team's poor performance at home. Athletic secured only 19 points out of a possible 45 on home turf, a 42.2% success rate. Their away form was comparatively better, accumulating 25 points from the same number of matches, achieving 55.5%. Lerga, whose future at the club remains uncertain as his contract is set to expire, admitted the team fell short: "We are all very demanding, both sides were on a very positive trajectory, we were doing well. When turbulence like this comes, it's hard to get your feet back on the ground."

Player Performances

Ane Azkona finished as the team's top scorer for the third consecutive season, netting seven goals in Liga F and two in the Copa de la Reina. Youngster Daniela Agote followed with six league goals and one in the cup. Ane Campos and Jone Amezaga each contributed four goals in the league. Agote, at 19 years old, is the only player to have featured in all 30 Liga F matches, also playing in both Copa de la Reina games and the Supercopa. Ane Elexpuru accumulated the most minutes among outfield players with 2,427, just behind goalkeeper Adriana Nanclares (2,437).

Looking Ahead

Despite the season's shortcomings, the team carries a sense of clear conscience. "We all have a thorn in our side, but with the satisfaction that we have done what was in our hands," Lerga stated. "Even when you give your all, sometimes things don't work out. I am proud of the work done." The focus now shifts to the future, though Lerga's continued tenure is not guaranteed. He believes the team has significant room for improvement, particularly in terms of results. "We have been very enslaved by being in a part of the table we didn't want to be in. It's a burden, a weight that has cost us to shed," he explained. He highlighted the team's youth and potential, noting that several players have established themselves, which is a crucial positive for the club's future.

Datos clave

The Athletic Femenino's season serves as a stark reminder of the fine margins in professional football. While the team showed resilience and individual talent, the inability to consistently perform and meet pre-season expectations leaves a significant question mark over their trajectory and the coaching situation for the upcoming season. For fans of Spanish women's football, this season underscores the competitive nature of Liga F and the challenges faced by clubs striving for European qualification.

Fuente: https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/athletic-bilbao/20260603/1004190658/objetivo-athletic-quedado-lejos.html