Athletic Club Women kicked off the 2023/24 campaign with a 3-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid at the Centro Deportivo Wanda. Despite the defeats, the season opener saw Athletic debuts for new head coach David Aznar as well as Marta Sanadri and Nahikari García, the latter coming on in the second half.

The first half was quite even, with both sides organised and compact in defence. Atlético Madrid had more chances, but they rarely seriously threated Mariasun Quiñones. Maddi Torre had the Lionesses' best opportunity of the half with a header from a corner.

The host broke the deadlock shortly after the restart, Sheila Guijarro - a summer signing from Real Madrid - heading in at the near post from a corner in the 50th minute. World Cup winner Eva Navarro then doubled Atletico's lead in the 63rd minute.

The Lionesses kept fighting as they looked to drag themselves back into the game, but Sheila Guijarro grabbed a brace to settle the match.

It was the toughest way to bring in the season. Next week there is an international break and after that the Lionesses play away from home again, this time against Levante Las Planas.