United Beyond Manchester

Manchester United Women earned another three Champions League points with an impressive victory over Atletico Madrid in Spain. Despite playing much of the match with ten players, Marc Skinner’s side showed remarkable resilience to claim their second win in as many group-stage games.

Match Flow

Fridolina Rolfo scored her first goal for Manchester United in the 25th minute. Atleti’s defense did not deal with a delightful cross from Julia Zigiotti Olme, and Rolfo volleyed the loose ball past Lola Gallardo.

A red card for Dominique Janssen for a lunging tackle on Gio Garbelini added a layer of difficulty for Marc Skinner’s side just before the half. The Dutch defender was initially shown a yellow card, but after a VAR check, she received her marching orders as Gio went off on a stretcher.

The red card gave Atletico Madrid new life, and the next half hour was completely dominated by the home side. They had eleven shots, with four on target, and over 75% possession in that time. However, in the 75th minute, parity was restored, at least in terms of players on the field, when Alexia Fernandez received a second yellow card for a poor challenge on Leah Galton.

Both sides had opportunities with 20 on the field, but Manchester United held on for an impressive 1-0 win.

Biggest Takeaway

Manchester United’s defending and goalkeeping were excellent. Despite losing center back Dominique Janssen in the first half, United retained the clean sheet, especially thanks to efforts from Maya Le Tissier, Julia Zigiotti Olme, and Phallon Tullis-Joyce.

Le Tissier organized and commanded the back line while contributing ten clearances and three blocked shots. After playing a part in United’s goal, Zigiotti made several crucial defensive contributions, including two blocked shots. Tullis-Joyce, largely untested in the first half, produced six saves in the second, four of which came from efforts inside the box.

The win by United shows that this team can challenge for a title, and Marc Skinner will be preaching confidence to his team as they continue in the tournament.