Rolfö's first goal gives United the win over Atlético | OneFootball

Fridolina Rolfö scored the only goal of the game as Manchester United made it two wins out of two in the Champions League with bough sides having a player sent off.

United were without Jess Park due to a concussion after the England international's star cameo against Everton last time out while there was the familiar face of Vilde Bøe Risa in the Atlético midfield.

The visitors started the game brightly with Ella Toone and Fridolina Rolfö having early chances.

It was the Swede who broke the deadlock in the 24th minute after a long throw from the right was headed on with Rolfö hammering the ball past Lola Gallardo.

United had been the better of the two teams but the dynamic of the game changed after a baffling VAR intervention and refereeing decision in the final minutes of the first period.

It was an unfortunate incident for Atlético's Gio Garbelini who was stretchered off with what looked like a serious injury after a tackle by Dominique Janssen. Referee Eleni Antoniou had initially given the United defender a yellow card but VAR intervened to suggest a red card, something that the official agreed despite there being little evidence that Janssen had done too much wrong.

Naturally, the sending off changed the flow of the game. Marc Skinner bought on Lisa Naalsund and Gabrielle George to shore things up, with the latter operating as a centre-back.

The Spanish side had much off the ball with Phallon Tullis-Joyce needing to be on her toes to deny the dangerous Luany.

United had done well to keep Atleti at bay with inferior numbers but that changed in the 74th minute when Alexia Fernández received her second yellow card as she brought down substitute Leah Galton who was looking to counter.

Melvine Malard was the lone attacking outlet for United and she should have put the game to bed in the 84th minute after Galton tackled Luany in the box and sent the ball upfield. The French forward did well to find space, go past one defender, but then fired her effort wide of the goal.

The WSL eventually held out to claim an important three points under difficult circumstances and make it two wins out of two in the Champions League.