Eibar women’s team reach the semi-finals of the Basque Cup

The SD Eibar women’s team has reached the semi-finals of the Basque Cup after beating Pauldarrak in a penalty shoot-out (5–4) at Barakaldo, after the game had ended in a one-all draw.

The gunsmiths travelled to Barakaldo without several players – Melani, Yaiza and Haizea Lomba with diverse physical problems all missed the trip, which meant that Itsaso Gorostegui, from the cadet team (sub–16) was included in the squad.

The game started with the home side dominating play, being more accustomed to the small dimensions of the Serralta ground and putting a bit more intensity into the duels. The gunsmiths tried to play on the break, but the home keeper was very alert to any danger.

Pauldarrak’s goal came from a corner that was hit into the goalmouth, half-cleared by the keeper Iratxe only for the ball to fall to a Pauldarrak player whose pass was acrobatically put into the back of the net by a team-mate.

The first 45 minutes ended like this and the start of the second half began in a similar vein. However, the three changes introduced by Félix Recio changed the dynamic of the Eibar team, which began to close on their rival’s area with intent.

After a well-worked move involving many touches between Ainara, Alaitz, Larrus, Irati and Alonso, it was a through ball from Alonso that found Irati, who beat the keeper with a superb lob played with the outside of her boot, to level the score at 1–1. The game ended with this scoreline and so penalties were required to decide the encounter.

After the first round the scores were level at four-all. The sixth penalty taken for Eibar was scored by Ainhoa Larruskain and when Pauldarrak missed their attempt the gunsmiths were through to the semi-final, which they will play against Bizkerre, a side from Getxo that finished third in the Basque League.  The game will be played next weekend in Unbe. The second semi-final will be played between Añorga and San Ignacio.

Eibar starting line-up: Iratxe, Naiara (Ariane), Alaitz, Olatz, Ainhoa Larrus, Maitane, Alaine (Itxaso Goros), Anega (Ainara Juaristi) Ainhoa Alonso and Irati Lazkano

Goal: 1-1 Irati Lazkano

Penalties Irati (goal), Alaitz (goal), Olatz (goal), Ariane (miss), Iratxe (goal), Larrus (goal).