Manchester United Women continued their impressive start to their inaugural UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Atlético Madrid on . The match, played at the Centro Deportivo Wanda Alcalá de Henares, saw Fridolina Rolfö score the decisive goal for United in the 24th minute.
The win marks United’s second consecutive victory in the league phase of the competition, following their earlier triumph over Valerenga. Despite playing for over half the match with ten players after Dominique Janssen’s red card, Marc Skinner’s side held on for a valuable three points. Atlético Madrid also finished the match with ten players after Alexia Fernández received a second yellow card in the 74th minute.
Rolfö’s goal came from a close-range volley, capitalizing on a cross from Julia Zigiotti Olme. The Swedish forward’s strike provided the breakthrough in a game that saw both teams create opportunities. Ella Toone, making her 200th appearance for United Women, had an early chance, sending a curling effort just wide within the opening seconds. Atlético Madrid responded with a counter-attack, but Fiamma Iannuzzi’s shot was blocked by United captain Maya Le Tissier.
The complexion of the match changed dramatically in the 37th minute when Janssen was shown a straight red card following a VAR review of a challenge on Gio Garbelini. Garbelini was subsequently taken off on a stretcher, adding to the drama of the first half. The dismissal forced United to dig deep and defend resolutely for the remainder of the game.
Despite being a player down, United continued to threaten. Melvine Malard had a low shot saved, demonstrating United’s continued attacking intent. The second half saw Atlético Madrid push for an equalizer, but United’s defense, marshaled by Le Tissier, remained steadfast.
The sending off of Fernández in the 74th minute, for a foul on Leah Galton, leveled the playing field in terms of player numbers, but did little to change the overall dynamic of the match. United successfully managed the remaining minutes, securing a deserved victory.
The match wasn’t without its physical toll. United were without Jess Park due to a concussion, highlighting the demands placed on players during the Champions League campaign. The injury to Garbelini further underscored the competitive nature of the contest.
This victory places Manchester United in a strong position in their Champions League group. Having won both of their opening matches, they currently lead the group with nine points. Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, have three points from their two games. The result demonstrates United’s ability to perform under pressure and adapt to challenging circumstances, qualities that will be crucial as they progress through the competition.
The game also showcased the growing competitiveness of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. The match was a tightly contested affair, with both teams displaying tactical awareness and determination. The use of VAR, particularly in the incident leading to Janssen’s red card, highlighted the increasing scrutiny and professionalism within the women’s game.
Looking ahead, Manchester United will face Bayern Munich in their next Champions League fixture. The match promises to be a stern test for Skinner’s side, as they look to maintain their perfect start to the campaign. Atlético Madrid will aim to bounce back from this defeat when they face their next opponent in the group stage.
The win for Manchester United represents a significant step forward for the club in their European journey. It demonstrates their potential to compete with the continent’s elite teams and provides a platform for further success in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
