Manchester United Thump Atletico Madrid 3-0, One Step Closer to Quarter-Finals

 

Manchester United Women took a commanding step towards the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals with a resounding 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid Femenino in the first leg of their knockout play-off tie in the Spanish capital.

Three superb goals from Elisabeth Terland, Melvine Malard, and Julia Zigiotti Olme handed the English side firm control of the tie ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford on 19 February (20:00 GMT). Awaiting the winners in the quarter-finals are German giants Bayern Munich Women.

Head coach Marc Skinner praised his side’s maturity and clinical edge.

“Three fantastic goals and we controlled Atleti, who are a great team, really well,” said Skinner.

“[It shows] huge growth from us. Managing moments, momentum, taking the goals when they come.

We know how tough the return leg will be, but we are looking forward to it.”

Lightning Start Sets the Tone

United could not have asked for a better opening. Inside three minutes, Terland latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Malard, glided into the penalty area, and rifled her effort into the top-right corner.

Five minutes later, Terland thought she had doubled her tally with a deft volley from an Ellen Wangerheim knock-down. However, the offside flag was raised and a VAR review confirmed the decision, denying United an early two-goal cushion.

Malard Magic and Midfield Control

As Atletico searched for a way back before the break, Malard struck decisively to make it 2-0. Racing onto an incisive through ball from Hinata Miyazawa, the French international curled a superb finish beyond goalkeeper Lola Gallardo into the far bottom corner.

The hosts had shown glimpses of danger, notably when 21-year-old Fiamma Benitez saw a long-range effort deflected over the bar after combining neatly with Synne Jensen.

Atletico Rally, United Respond

United started the second half with similar intensity. Gallardo produced an excellent point-blank save to deny Jayde Riviere just 90 seconds after the restart.

Atletico responded with sustained pressure. Vilde Boe Risa struck a 25-yard free-kick against the crossbar against her former club, while Benitez was thwarted in the box by determined United defending.

But as the clock ticked past 80 minutes, Malard once again turned provider. She teed up Zigiotti Olme, who drilled a precise finish inside the near post to seal a commanding 3-0 advantage.

Quarter-Final Path Taking Shape

With a three-goal cushion heading into the second leg at Old Trafford, Manchester United are firmly in control. However, Skinner remains cautious, aware of Atletico’s quality and resilience.

Elsewhere in Thursday’s play-off action, VfL Wolfsburg Women struck twice late on to earn a 2-2 draw against Juventus Women. Sarai Linder’s 95th-minute goal kept Wolfsburg level ahead of the return leg in Turin. The winners of that tie will face record eight-time champions Olympique Lyonnais Women in the quarter-finals.

For now, Manchester United hold the momentum — and one foot firmly in the last eight.