Madrid CFF Women 2-2 Athletic Club Women: Late Equaliser Seals Thrilling Liga F Draw

Madrid CFF Women and Athletic Club Women played out a compelling 2-2 draw in the Spanish Primera División de la Liga de Fútbol Femenino on October 4, 2026, with both sides trading blows in a match that underlined their attacking quality and their lingering defensive vulnerabilities. In a league where every point matters in the race for top-half security and European qualification, the outcome felt both frustrating and fair after 90 minutes of end-to-end football.

The hosts started with intent, pressing high and forcing Athletic into early errors. Madrid CFF’s front three rotated constantly, pulling the visiting full-backs out of position, and the opening goal arrived when Marta Ruiz cut inside from the left and curled a low shot into the far corner. It was the kind of goal that has become Madrid CFF’s trademark in recent seasons: quick, direct and ruthless in transition.

Match Overview

Athletic Club responded with the resilience that has long defined the club’s women’s team. The visitors gradually stabilised through their midfield block, winning second balls and using the width of the pitch to stretch Madrid CFF’s back line. Their equaliser came from a set piece, with Irati Azkona rising highest at the near post to glance a header beyond the goalkeeper. The goal changed the mood of the contest, and Athletic finished the first half looking the more composed side.

After the break, Athletic took the lead for the first time. A quick turnover in midfield sent their forward racing through the inside-left channel, and a calm finish across the goalkeeper made it 2-1. Madrid CFF, who had been threatening but wasteful, suddenly needed a response. The home crowd lifted, and the substitutions that followed gave the team fresh legs in wide areas.

Key Moments

• 14th minute: Marta Ruiz opens the scoring for Madrid CFF with a curling effort from the edge of the box.
• 38th minute: Irati Azkona heads home from a corner to level for Athletic Club.
• 58th minute: Athletic complete the turnaround with a fast counter-attacking goal and a composed finish.
• 84th minute: Madrid CFF substitute Lucía Ramos slots home a late equaliser after a scramble in the penalty area.
• 90+3rd minute: Athletic’s final chance is smothered by the Madrid CFF goalkeeper as the points are shared.

Tactical Story

Madrid CFF lined up in a fluid 4-3-3, looking to press Athletic’s first pass and force turnovers high up the pitch. That approach worked well in the opening 20 minutes, but it also left space behind the full-backs when Athletic beat the initial press. Athletic’s 4-4-2 mid-block was compact and disciplined, and their front two worked tirelessly to cut off central passing lanes. The away side’s best moments came when they switched play quickly and attacked the space vacated by Madrid CFF’s advancing full-backs.

In the final 15 minutes, Madrid CFF pushed their wingers narrower and overloaded the box. That decision paid off when Ramos found space between the centre-backs to score the equaliser. Athletic will feel they should have managed the game better after taking the lead, while Madrid CFF will point to their persistence and the quality of their late response.

Standout Players

Marta Ruiz was Madrid CFF’s most dangerous outlet, combining direct running with intelligent link-up play. Her goal was the highlight of a performance that consistently troubled Athletic’s right side. For Athletic, Irati Azkona was influential both in the air and in build-up play, and her equalising header was a deserved reward for a tireless display. Madrid CFF’s goalkeeper also deserves credit for two important second-half saves that kept her team within touching distance before the late leveller.

What the Result Means

The draw keeps both clubs in the competitive middle section of the Liga F standings, where a handful of points separates the chase for European places from the mid-table pack. Madrid CFF remain difficult to beat at home but will be concerned by the ease with which they conceded after taking the lead. Athletic Club continue to show they can compete against direct rivals on the road, though they will rue not holding on for all three points.

In the head-to-head record, this 2-2 result adds another tight chapter to a fixture that has rarely produced comfortable winners in recent seasons. Both sides now turn their attention to the next round, knowing that consistency will be the key to climbing the Primera División standings as the campaign gathers pace.