Atlético Femenino update: Bright start as Fernandez’s side looks competitive

Atlético Madrid Femenino have enjoyed a bright start to the 2021/2022 domestic campaign after notching the maximum six points in the first two league games this season.

Taking centre stage in the early part of Atlético’s calendar was the Madrid Derby against Real Madrid, which Óscar Fernández’s new-look team won 2-0, with goals coming from Venezuelan Deyna Castellanos and Argentina’s Estefania Banini.

Fernandez’s 4-4-2 starting formation included Silvia Meseguer at the heart of the midfield, Banini wide on the left and Castellanos joining Rasheedat Ajibade upfront. It is helping this side maximise its potential on the field.

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Castellanos and Ajibade were on the scoresheet when Atlético eased past Rayo Vallecano 5-0 in the season opener. Maitane Lopez and brace from Laia Alexandri sealed the deal.

Meanwhile, an important return at the club is that of goalkeeper Lola Gallardo. The Spanish goalkeeper left Atlético ahead of last season to seek pastures new at giants Olympique Lyon.

Nonetheless, the Sevilla-born goalkeeper struggled for game time and decided to come back Atlético, even though she will have to compete with Sweden’s number one Hedvig Lindahl for a place between the sticks.

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Another exciting return is former goal machine Priscila Borja, who has been named as a director within the club’s sports management structure. She will be a delegate for the first team as well.

During her career, Borja scored 107 goals with Atlético in the top-flight. She also played with the likes of Sporting de Huelva, Rayo Vallecano, Betis, and Madrid CFF.

Meanwhile, club captain Amanda Sampedro has switched her shirt number to 6, in order to play with the same number as her reference point and idol — men’s team captain Koke.

Like Koke, the long-serving Sampedro has been at the club since joining the academy at nine years old. The veteran midfielder is now at her 21st season at Atlético.