The last time United finished inside the Women’s Super League’s top three and earned a spot in the Champions League qualification rounds back in 2023, they did not take advantage.

But they were better equipped this time around as they not only qualified for the league phase, but navigated it well to be rewarded with this winnable play-off tie.

There was little to separate the sides in terms of performance in the first leg in Spain but United punished Atletico’s defensive errors and were clinical in front of goal.

That meant they had one foot in the quarter-finals and eased through impressively, joining a line-up of established European giants.

There were question marks over whether United would spend what they needed to in order to build a squad capable of challenging in the Champions League but their recruitment in the past year has proven to be shrewd.

Skinner has rotated the squad effectively, ensuring they remain second in the WSL table, and with a place in the Women’s League Cup final.

The fact they have made it look relatively easy to get this far in their first proper European campaign shows just how much they have grown in recent years.

And in Park they have one of Europe’s most in-form players, who continues to deliver in a United shirt and has the ability to carry them even further.

German giants Bayern Munich are seasoned competitors in the Champions League but they will not relish the prospect of facing United.

“It’s shown our maturity and growth. The team want to belong and they do,” said Skinner afterwards.

“We know how difficult Bayern are going to be, but why not? There is an air of maturity about our group.

“I just think we’re arriving and we’re believing. That’s a powerful thing in life and sport. Let’s bring it on.”