Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United ended in a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the 2021/2022 Champions League last 16 at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, Wednesday (23/2).
Atletico Madrid managed to open the scoring in the seventh minute through Joao Felix. This goal was created by Joao Felix with a flying header after continuing Renan Lodi’s crossing from the left side of the attack.
In the 34th minute, Atletico again threatened the Man Utd goal through Renan Lodi’s hard kick from inside the penalty box. However, his shot was still narrowly deviated on the right side of the Man Utd goal and only shook the outside net.
In the 37th minute, it was Cristiano Ronaldo’s turn to try to fire a hard shot from outside the Atletico penalty box. However, his shot still deviated from the target.
In the 45th minute, Atletico got a golden opportunity through Joao Felix’s header which still hit the Man Utd crossbar.
There were no additional goals until the first half ended. Atletico lead 1-0 over Man Utd.
In the 78th minute Manchester United had a chance through Ronaldo’s free kick. However, CR7 failed to take advantage of the free kick to become a goal.
But, two minutes later, Manchester United were finally able to score an equalizer through substitute Anthony Elanga who managed to outwit the Atletico Madrid goalkeeper.
Starting from a counter-attack, Man Utd midfielder Bruno Fernandes was keen to send a through ball to Elanga. Elanga also calmly made the perfect finish to score the 1-1 equaliser.
In the 87th minute, it was Atletico’s turn to get a chance through Antoine Griezmann after his shot from inside the Man Utd penalty box hit De Gea’s crossbar.
In the 90+4 minute, Fred fired hard at Atletico’s goal. However, the ball can still be blocked by Atletico goalkeeper Oblak.
No additional goals were created until the second half ended. Man Utd vs Atletico Madrid ended in a 1-1 draw.
Ralf Rangnick, interim manager of Manchester United, commented after the game.
“I don’t know if I saved United (with a substitution),” he was quoted as saying on the UEFA website.
“After the performance in the first half, it can only get better. What we played in the first half, I still can’t believe it. We played without the belief and aggression needed. That’s why we really struggled.”
In the second half, he saw his team able to improve performance. “We had more possession in important areas. If we had played ten more minutes, we might have won it. But I was very disappointed with their performance in the first half. We were too worried on the ball.”
“Conceding a goal early in the game was difficult against Atlético. We have to be more aggressive, with more belief and a deeper run. The way we scored the right goal showed that. That’s how we have to play against them.”
Rangnick also commented on Anthony Elanga’s appearance in this match.
“He’s playing like a dream come true. It’s great to see him. I hope some of the other players will take him as an example – not because he’s doing everything right but because he’s enjoying himself on the pitch.”
In this match, Manchester United dominated possession, reaching 66 percent. However, the tight defense of the opponent makes it difficult for them to attack.
With this result both teams still have the same chance to advance to the next round, considering that in the latest Champions League rules there is no away goal difference rule.
