Ane Azkona Returns to San Mamés: A Special Moment Unfolds
Athletic Club welcomes Atlético de Madrid to San Mamés on Sunday at 17:00. The fixture marks the women’s first team thirtieth match at the stadium.
Ane Azkona returns to San Mamés and a special moment unfolds for the captain and the fans. She has often described playing there as a luxury.
Match context and recent form
The team arrives after a heavy 7-1 defeat at Barcelona. Players and staff reviewed the match to correct errors.
There are 21 league points still to play for. The squad aims to gain the maximum possible points.
Early memories at San Mamés
Azkona first saw a game at San Mamés on October 5, 2016. That match was a Champions League tie against Fortuna Hjørring, finished 2-1 in Athletic’s favour.
She attended as a youth team ball girl. The experience helped shape her dream of playing there someday.
First appearance and attendance record
Her first match wearing the senior shirt at San Mamés came on January 30, 2019. It was a Copa quarter-final versus Atlético de Madrid, lost 0-2.
She entered the game in the 82nd minute, replacing Nekane, and nearly scored. That match drew a record crowd of 48,121 spectators.
Scoring milestones
Azkona has scored 40 goals for Athletic Club. Her first goal at San Mamés came on June 16, 2024.
That strike arrived in a 2-1 league victory over Sevilla. She remembers the speaker announcing her name and the crowd echoing it.
Most memorable match
The captain points to the derby on February 16, 2025, as her most special game. Athletic beat Real Sociedad 2-0 and she scored both goals.
The occasion combined a fierce rivalry, a packed stadium, and family in the stands. It remains a highlight of her career.
Role in the squad and personal plans
At 27, Azkona is one of the more experienced members of the so-called Baby Athletic group. She recently passed the 200-match mark for the club.
She wears the captain’s armband with humility. She favors closeness and leadership by example over hierarchy.
Her contract runs until June. She also trains daily at Lezama and prepares for life after football.
Azkona studies education and wants to become a teacher once her playing days end. Football and teaching are her two great passions.
Reporting for Filmogaz.com.
