A major challenge
A major challenge
Atlético de Madrid, the Red and Whites’ opponents this week, have won the last three league titles, not dropping any points in their stadium
The last time both teams met each other was a day to remember at San Mamés. On January 30, it will have been a year since the Copa de la Reina quarter-finals where Athletic Club and Atlético de Madrid took place. That day 48,121 fervent fans supported the lionesses at La Catedral. After that, Atlético Madrid ended up being league champions for the third time in a row, as well as finishing runners-up in the Copa at the close of the season. As for Athletic, Joseba Aguirre’s management came to an end after a four-year cycle, league title included (2015-2016).
Ángel Villacampa landed at Lezama last summer to take the reins of the women’s first team after a decade as Atlético de Madrid boss, getting two league championships and one Copa de la Reina. “Villa’s return” will be one of the many incentives not to miss this clash, corresponding to the twelfth matchweek in the Primera Iberdrola. A really interesting fixture at the new Centro Deportivo Wanda, where the red-and-white team will play for the first time on Sunday at 12pm.
A team replete with international players
Regarding the precedents, since the 2007-2008 season, both teams have contested in the league in twelve consecutive occasions, with a total of 6 defeats, 3 draws and 3 wins in favour of Atlético de Madrid. The current league title holders are second in the table with 25 points, having lost only one match, against FC Barcelona, the present leaders, from whom they do not want to increase their distance. Still, in their league match last week, the team from Madrid drew with Betis in Seville, while Villacampa’s side thrashed EDF Logroño at Lezama.
Pablo López has managed Atlético de Madrid since Sánchez Vera left about two months ago. The dangers they will have to face playing against the lionesses are countless. The side from Madrid plays vertical football. López could normally form his starting XI by including only international players. In spite of having lost their top scorer Jennifer Hermoso, who plays now for FC Barcelona, they keep having good players such as Ludmila o Charlyn, who was transferred from Levante UD. They have a squad full of talented footballers: Ángela Sosa, Torrecilla, Meseger, Amanda Sampedro, Tounkara, Kenty, Van Veenendaal... In addition, our opponents this Sunday have won every home match this season. A major challenge is awaiting Athletic Club this weekend.