Man United drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League

Manchester United was attempting to follow in the footsteps of the three previous English teams still in the Champions League by securing a first-leg lead in the first knockout stage, and Ralf Rangnick stated on the eve of the trip to Madrid that this game was his top priority.

In Spain, though, his team fell behind within the first seven minutes of the game. After clearing the original corner, Atletico left-back Renan Lodi swung in a cross from the left, which Joao Felix met with a magnificent header that went in off the near post.

Despite having the majority of possession, the visitors did not appear to be at ease in the first half. Cristiano Ronaldo, who was called the entire game, was increasingly enraged by Atletico’s tactics, and the hosts came close to adding a second goal shortly before halftime when Sime Vrsaljko struck the crossbar.

Before Elanga latched onto Bruno Fernandes’ ball and reversed his shot across Jan Oblak and into the bottom corner, United had put up a weak performance.

Anthony Elanga expresses Delight

“I think that was my first touch as well,” Elanga told. “I’ve dreamt of moments like this, scoring in the Champions League against a top opponent such as Atletico, it’s a dream come true. It’s only half-time in the tie.

“I told you how calm and cool I am whenever I get an opportunity for the club. I leave nothing in the tank when I step out onto the pitch and I just enjoy it.”

Player ratings

Atletico Madrid: Oblak (6), Savic (7), Gimenez (7), Mandava (7), Vrsaljko (7), Llorente (6), Kondogbia (8), Herrera (8), Renan Lodi (7), Correa (7), Joao Felix (8)

Man Utd: De Gea (6), Lindelof (5), Varane (5), Maguire (6), Shaw (5), Fred (6), Pogba (5), Rashford (4), Bruno Fernandes (5), Sancho (5), Ronaldo (5)

Man of the match: Joao Felix