Madrid, Spain- Atletico de Madrid and Manchester United finished even at 1-1 for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
Madrid drew first blood when Joao Felix’s sixth-minute header gave them the advantage. Possession mainly was on Manchester United’s side, but they were unable to find Cristiano Ronaldo with space. United’s only shot on target leveled the game in the 80th minute as Bruno Fernandes sent Anthony Elanga through, who calmly put it around Jan Oblak for the equalizer. Although Atletico was the most dangerous side tonight, United canceled Atleti’s advantage. Everything will start 1-1 at Old Trafford on March 15th.
Joao Felix was as dangerous as he was entertaining tonight. The crowd at the Wanda Metropolitano witnessed one of the rising star’s best games under El Cholo. Felix’s ability to dribble and create space worked in Atletico’s favor as his four shots, 85% pass completion and goal made him the most essential player against United.
Manchester United’s numerous mistakes cost them the game. Overwhelmed and overplayed, Ralf Rangnick’s substitutions managed to take something away from the game. Although the tie is not a loss, both teams will need to restrategize if they intend to move on to the quarterfinals.
Domestic Run
Neither United nor Atletico are enjoying their best runs in their respective leagues. For United, they have lost crucial points to teams in the bottom half of the Premier League table. Separate 1-1 ties away at Burnley and at home against Southhampton have them insecurely in fourth place. On the other hand, Atletico has suffered two significant defeats recently. The 4-3 loss to Barcelona saw them lose three points to their rivals, while an unexpected home loss to Levante left them just outside UCL qualification in fifth.
Nevertheless, these two big clubs hope for UCL success as their domestic seasons are not turning out as expected.
