UWCL: Man United beat Atletico Madrid to advance to quarter-finals | OneFootball

Manchester United beat Atletico Madrid 2-0 on Thursday evening to advance to their first quarter-final in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. In their first full campaign in the competition, United made history by defeating the Spanish outfit 5-0 on aggregate to advance to knockouts for the first time since their rebirth in 2018. Despite early Atletico Madrid dominance, Man United absorbed much of the earlier pressure and saw Phallon Tully’s-Joyce make several key saves to deny Synne Jensen.

The chance of a comeback was firmly destroyed when Julia Zigiotti scored her third goal in her last four matches to put the tie to bed. Jess park continued her imperious form and added a second before the break.

Starting XIs

Manchester United: Tullis-Joyce; Janssen, Turner, Le Tissier, Lundkvist, Miyazawa, Zigiotti, Naalsund, Park, Malard, Schüller.

Atletico Madrid: Gallardo; Medina, Menayo, Lauren, Pérez, Fernandez, Bartel, Benitez, Bøe Risa, Sarriegi, Jensen.

Jess Park scores another long-range goal for Man United

Despite early United dominance, Atletico came close to opening the scoring in just the tenth minute. Amaiur Sarriegi dribbled through the heart of the United defence before laying the ball off to Jensen, who could only watch as Tullis-Joyce dropped low to parry the effort out for a corner.

Moments later, Lea Schüller almost bagged her first UWCL goal in red. A long ball over the top found the German, who coolly chested the ball down, however Lola Gallardo was down quick to deny the Reds their opener.

Sarriegi continued to be a thorn in United’s side after another mazy run carried Atletico into the final third. After Julia Bartel’s smart through ball, Jensen found herself open in front of goal however the Norwegian was unable to divert her effort beyond Tullis-Joyce.

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The deadlock was broken midway through the first half, when United managed to convert one of their many chances. Lisa Naalsund delivered a cross into a crowded six-yard box which, in-form, Zigiotti slotted home.

United doubled their advantage moments before the break. The Red Devils were awarded a corner after Gallardo’s outstretched leg denied Hinata Miyazawa. With the fans in full voice, Park picked up the ball up in acres of space and unleased a curling effort into the top corner. Gallardo could only stand and watch as the Lioness’ 20-yard effort hit the back of the net. A near identical goal to her one against London City Lionesses at the weekend.

Man United confirm place in UWCL quarter-finals

The second half saw Atletico grow into the game but struggle to find the back of the net. While United continued to play free attacking football and were almost rewarded for their unrelenting pressure.

Halfway through the second half, a long ball over the top proved key to opening up Atletico’s defence. Park dribbled down the wing and cut inside however Ellen Wangerheim was unable to bag her first goal for the Reds.

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Park continued to impress and almost added her second with just over 15 minutes to play. January signing, Wangerheim, cut the ball back to Park, whose effort ricocheted off the post and out to safety.

Having all but confirmed their place in the Champions League quarter-finals, Marc Skinner decided to hand a debut to 17-year-old Jessica Anderson. A special night for the attacker who has featured twice for England U-20 on the international stage.

With just five minutes on the clock, tempers spilled over for the Atletico defence. After continuous pressure, Xenia Pérez was dismissed after pulling down an advancing Wangerheim.

What’s next for Man United and Atletico Madrid?

For both clubs, eyes now turn back to domestic football. Man United will travel to London as they face defending champions Chelsea in the round of 16 of the Women’s FA Cup. The Reds will hope to avenge their FA Cup final defeat against the West London outfit.

Meanwhile, Atletico will travel to Sevilla as they are back in Liga F action. Madrid currently sit sixth in the league standings, just one point behind this weekend’s opponents. Fans in the UK will be able to stream the match on DAZN, free of charge.

On the European stage, Thursday night’s victory means Manchester United qualify for the quarter-final of the Champions League for the first time in their history. They have set up an exciting clash with reigning German champions, Bayern Munich. The first competitive meeting between the sides, which is set to take place towards the end of March, will be available to stream on Disney+ for viewers with an active subscription.

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