Athenea’s first match as Real Madrid captain lasted 36 minutes.
The winger was forced off in Saturday’s friendly against Madrid CFF after an accidental collision while challenging for the ball. She walked off the pitch but was visibly in pain and holding her right shoulder.
Subsequent tests confirmed a fracture to her right collarbone. Real Madrid announced that Athenea will undergo surgery in the coming days but have not said how long she is expected to be out.
It is the same collarbone she fractured during a training session in November 2024. That injury also required surgery.
Real Madrid had to wait until the 68th minute
The injury overshadowed the first pre-season friendly between two Liga F teams with significantly revamped squads.
Real Madrid included four new signings in their starting line-up: Janou Levels, Andreia Jacinto, Elisa Senß and Felicia Schröder. Levels provided width on the left, Andreia helped move the ball through midfield and Senß attempted to break lines with her carries. Schröder had the best opportunities of the first half.
The Swedish forward came close to opening the scoring with a lob that Romane Lejeune prevented from finding the net. She threatened again shortly afterwards following an Andreia recovery near the penalty area.
Pau Quesada’s side controlled possession and kept Madrid CFF away from their goal for much of the opening period but could not turn that dominance into goals. The visitors held firm and reached half-time with the score still 0-0 after beginning to threaten late in the half following Athenea’s departure.
Madrid CFF improved after the break. Emilie Nautnes had one of their best chances and forced a save from Laia López, who had entered as part of Real Madrid’s extensive changes.
Real Madrid gradually regained control and opened the scoring in the 68th minute. Eva Navarro delivered a corner and María Méndez arrived at the near post to head the ball into the net.
Pau Comendador completed the victory in the 84th minute. The forward, who had replaced Athenea during the first half, headed in a cross from Sara Däbritz to make it 2-0.
Lineth Beerensteyn made her debut after the interval and became the fifth Real Madrid signing to play her first minutes for the club. Madrid CFF also started several of their new arrivals, including Ana González, Emilie Holt, Débora Bebê and Romane Lejeune.
Real Madrid began pre-season with a victory and two headed goals. The most significant consequence of the match, however, came before half-time: the fracture that will require Athenea to undergo surgery once again.
