Football News: On Wednesday, Manchester United were saved from a humiliating and deserved defeat by Atletico Madrid thanks to Anthony Elanga’s late goal in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 ties. Atletico outplayed a lethargic United for the rest of the game at the Wanda Metropolitano, and Joao Felix’s early goal may have been judged insufficient compensation moving into the second leg at Old Trafford in three weeks.
But, rather than extending their lead, Atletico squandered it, with Elanga racing onto a Bruno Fernandes through pass and finishing coolly with 10 minutes remaining to give United a point that felt like a win.
In his news conference, United manager Ralf Rangnick was asked what he told his players at halftime.
“I told them this is not enough,” he said.
“We have to have more energy. It’s not about game plans or tactics. It’s about conviction. It’s about belief. This is not enough. This is the Champions League.”
Sime Vrsaljko of Atletico had previously hit the crossbar at the end of the first half, and Antoine Griezmann was denied a late winner after Elanga’s equaliser by the woodwork.
While United will be relieved with the result, this was again another performance that raised serious doubts about interim coach Ralf Rangnick’s progress and direction.
They didn’t get a single touch in the Atletico Madrid box in the first half, the first time that has happened in the Champions League since at least 2005.
Cristiano Ronaldo faced a familiar rival in Atletico Madrid, having scored 25 goals in 35 outings against Diego Simeone’s side, including three hat-tricks.
However, upfront, the Portuguese cut a dissatisfied and isolated figure, his major contribution being a target for the Atletico supporters’ fervent whistling and booing.
Both Rangnick and Simeone have a seasoned scorer whose needs may come at the price of the club, but whereas Rangnick started the 37-year-old Ronaldo, Simeone started Felix and Angel Correa upfront instead of the 35-year-old Luis Suarez.
Scintillating start
Before the game, Ronaldo and former Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane were whistled, and a raucous environment set the tone for a thrilling Atletico start.
United was nervous as Harry Maguire unnecessarily headed an Atletico corner behind him before Jose Gimenez had a shot at goal, but Victor Lindelof made a superb save.
United seemed uneasy playing out from the back, and Atletico got a corner thanks to a botched David de Gea clearance. United pushed forward, but Renan Lodi curled in a magnificent cross from the left, which Felix met with a diving header that flew in off the post.
Atletico’s approach was quicker, hungrier, and more forceful. They continued to take United’s possession, but they lacked the final pass. United became enraged, particularly Ronaldo, and the game was diverted for 10 minutes to his antics, with the boos and whistles increasing louder.
At halftime, Vrsaljko headed against the crossbar after receiving a fast cross from Lodi at the back post, but the net was open.
United improved, and Atletico appeared to be relinquishing control around the hour mark. There were few chances, though, and Atletico looked to be on the verge of winning when Ronaldo fired a free-kick harmlessly over.
Instead, United put together their best and only flowing move of the game when the ball was popped through midfield and Elanga was threaded through by Fernandes. Reinaldo Mandava of Atletico Madrid engaged himself but fell, allowing Elanga to go through and shoot a fantastic finish into the far corner.
With four minutes remaining, Griezmann curled against the crossbar as a substitute, but a deflated Atletico was unable to reclaim their lead.
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