Sun Mar 29 15:00:00 UTC 2026: ### Athletic Club Captain Ane Azkona to Lead Team Against Atlético Madrid at San Mamés

The Story:
Ane Azkona, captain of Athletic Club’s women’s team, is set to lead her squad against Atlético de Madrid at San Mamés stadium. This match marks the 30th game for the women’s first team at “La Catedral.” Azkona reflects on her experiences playing at San Mamés, recalling her debut as a ball girl in a 2016 Champions League match and her first game on the field in 2019, also against Atlético Madrid. Despite a recent heavy defeat to Barcelona, Azkona emphasizes the team’s determination to secure as many points as possible in the remaining matches.

Key Points:

  • The match against Atlético de Madrid will be the 30th for the Athletic Club women’s team at San Mamés.
  • Ane Azkona recalls her first experience at San Mamés as a ball girl in 2016 during a Champions League match against Fortuna Hjørring.
  • Azkona’s first match at San Mamés was in January 30, 2019, a Copa quarter-final against Atlético de Madrid, which ended in a 0-2 defeat. A record 48,121 fans attended that match.
  • Azkona scored her first goal at San Mamés on June 16, 2024, in a league match against Sevilla.
  • Azkona highlights a February 16, 2025 derby victory against Real Sociedad as a particularly special game, where she scored twice.
  • Azkona acknowledges the team’s recent 7-1 defeat to Barcelona but stresses their resolve to perform well against Atlético de Madrid.
  • At 27 years old, Azkona is one of the most experienced players in the team and is preparing for a future career in education.

Key Takeaways:

  • San Mamés holds significant personal and professional value for Ane Azkona, shaping her career with Athletic Club.
  • The Athletic Club women’s team views matches at San Mamés as a privilege and a chance to connect with their fans.
  • Despite recent setbacks, the team maintains a strong focus on improvement and securing a favorable league position.
  • Ane Azkona embodies leadership both on and off the field, balancing her football career with her aspirations in education.

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