Atletico took an early lead and twice hit the crossbar but were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw following Anthony Elanga’s late equaliser for Manchester United.
Anthony Elanga struck just five minutes after coming off the bench to earn Manchester United an unlikely 1-1 draw against Atletico in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie.
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Atletico made a super-charged start which was duly rewarded when Joao Felix met Renan Lodi’s vicious cross with a powerful header that crashed in off a post – the woodwork would not be so kind to the hosts for the rest of the night.
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Joao Felix’s opener was his first Champions League goal since December 2020.
Joao Felix is the first Portuguese player to score a Champions League goal against United since Cristiano Ronaldo found the net for Juventus against them in November 2018.
Lodi was a ball of energy down the Atletico left and played a key role in further first-half chances for Joao Felix and Sime Vrsaljko, whose deflected header struck the bar just before the interval.
Ralf Rangnick’s Manchester United were lacking in dynamism for much of the night, but that all changed when 19-year-old Elanga came on with 15 minutes left. Moments later he raced onto Bruno Fernandes’s perfect through ball and slotted into the corner.Bruno Fernandes has now provided seven assists in his six Champions League appearances this season.
Anthony Elanga becomes the youngest Swedish goalscorer in the Champions League (19 years, 302 days).
Elanga’s goal was Manchester United’s 500th in the European Cup.
There was still time for Antoine Griezmann to go close, but the frame of the goal once again came to United’s rescue – their luck was in.
Atletico are unbeaten in their last 15 Champions League knockout stage matches in their own stadium (W9 D6).
Atleti goalscorer Joao Felix has been named the Player of the Match. The UEFA Technical Observer panel said of his performance this evening: “He scored a fantastic goal, he worked hard and he showed a lot of quality.”
Atletico coach Diego Simeone said ,”I’m really happy with the game we played. Our team spirit was great, our collective work was great, our high press was great. We need to carry on like this.”
Atletico’s Joao Felix said ,”Last week we were practising crosses towards me, and that’s exactly what we planned. We need to continue playing like this and working hard to finish the season well.”
Manchester United ‘s Anthony Elanga said ,”I’ve said how calm and cool I am. I just want to give 150% whenever I set foot on the pitch. I always tell myself I want to be the best player on the pitch.”
🗣 Anthony Elanga reflects on a night he'll never forget! #MUFC | #UCL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 23, 2022
Manchester United coach Ralf Rangnick said , “If we had played another ten minutes we might have won it, but I was very disappointed with the first half. We were far too apprehensive with the ball.”
Ralf is already looking ahead to a delicately poised second leg at Old Trafford ⬇️#MUFC | #UCL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 23, 2022
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