The last time United finished in the top three of the Women’s Super League and earned a place in the Champions League qualifying rounds back in 2023, they failed to take advantage.
But this time they were better equipped, as they not only qualified for the league stage, but came through it well to be rewarded with this winnable tie.
There was little that separated the two teams in terms of performance in the first leg in Spain, but United punished Atlético’s defensive errors and were accurate in front of goal.
That meant they had one foot in the quarter-finals and advanced impressively, joining a line-up of established European giants.
There were doubts over whether United would spend what was necessary to build a team capable of competing in the Champions League, but their recruitment last year proved shrewd.
Skinner has rotated the team effectively, ensuring they remain second in the WSL table and with a place in the Women’s League Cup final.
The fact that they have made it look relatively easy to get this far in their first proper European campaign shows how much they have grown in recent years.
And in Park they have one of the fittest players in Europe, who continues to deliver results in the United shirt and has the ability to take them even further.
German giants Bayern Munich are experienced competitors in the Champions League, but they won’t be excited by the prospect of facing United.
“This shows our maturity and growth. The team wants to belong and they do,” Skinner said afterward.
“We know how difficult Bayern will be, but why not? There is an air of maturity in our group.
“I just think we’re reaching out and we’re believing. That’s a powerful thing in life and in sports. Let’s keep going.”
