Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United LIVE: Champions League result, final score and reaction tonight
Relive all the action from the first-leg clash at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium
Super sub Anthony Elanga spared Manchester United’s blushes at Atletico Madrid as Ralf Rangnick’s side snatched a scarcely deserved 1-1 draw in the first leg of this Champions League last-16 tie.
Wednesday’s clash at a rocking Wanda Metropolitano brought together two Jekyll and Hyde sides that stand no chance of ending challenging seasons with domestic honours.
United again underwhelmed on Wednesday evening, but teenage substitute Elanga cancelled out Joao Felix’s early bullet header to secure Rangnick’s men what could prove to be an important draw with Atletico.
The interim manager may, in truth, have been satisfied to leave Spain with a narrow first-leg loss given the abolishment of away goals and the fact his side floundered for much of the night.
Felix’s thundering early header gave Atleti a seventh-minute lead and cumbersome United were breathing a sigh of relief when Sime Vrsaljko hit the crossbar just before the break.
The home fans certainly enjoyed Real Madrid great Cristiano Ronaldo struggling for United, who would score with their first shot on target in the 80th minute.
Teenage substitute Elanga kept his cool after being put through by Bruno Fernandes and slotted past Jan Oblak, with Antoine Griezmann rattling the woodwork as Diego Simeone’s Atleti pushed for a late winner.
Relive all the action below.
Atletico Madrid 0-0 Manchester United
1 min: Here we go then! We are underway at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Some people think it’s a 4-2-3-1 that United are lining up in. I beg to differ.
Right now it looks like a mess more than a formation.
Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United
The camera cuts to Luis Suarez who takes his place on the bench ahead of a crucial Champions League clash.
Not often you hear that.
Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United
Right, this match is just around the corner now.
We are moments away from Manchester United’s return to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United
David de Gea - Manchester United’s player of the season so far?
Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United
One positive that Manchester United can take into this game is it won’t be played in a mud bath.
In their 4-2 victory over Leeds they had to deal with a host of factors beyond their control. (Hopefully) that will not be the case this evening.
The Wanda Metropolitano pitch looks stunning. Wonderful and green.
Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United
Whisper it quietly, but Manchester United have actually only lost one out of their last nine games in all competitions. That was on penalties to Middlesbrough in the FA Cup.
In among all the chaos at Old Trafford, they have been going about their business more efficiently and effectively on the pitch.
But they have also had favourable fixtures. That changes tonight.
Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United
It’s football, football, football tonight. Two Premier League games have already kicked off and another is on the way.
But over here we are talking all things Champions League. And Europe’s biggest competition is just 17 minutes away from resuming.
Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United
Ralf Rangnick says he has picked the formation for tonight’s game because he is able to react to different situations in the game. It also supposedly leaves them able to cope with set-pieces as they have three centre-backs in their side.
We shall wait and see.
Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United
A lovely little stadium. Or a lovely big stadium. The Wanda Metropolitano plays host to the Champions League again tonight.
It promises to offer the perfect setting to another huge evening in Europe’s premier competition.
Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United
Ralf Rangnick and Diego Simeone are two very experienced coaches. They have also never crossed paths until this evening.
Both men have put out interesting starting lineups. Could they be overthinking things just a little too much? A fascinating clash, this.
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