UCL: Atlético knock Red Devils out

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Manchester United 0-1 Atlético (aggregate 1-2)

UEFA Champions League 2021/22 - Round of 16, 2nd leg - Manchester United 0:1 Atlético de Madrid - Old Trafford, Manchester - March 15, 2022

Renan Lodi headed the only goal against Manchester United to edge Atlético into the last eight

The first half was high on endeavour but low on chances. It saw Anthony Elanga ]denied by the head of Jan Oblak from a low Bruno Fernandes cross before Rodrigo De Paul's deflected shot was pushed away by David de Gea.

João Félix did have the ball in the net for the visitors, but Marcos Llorente had strayed offside before teeing up the Portuguese striker. It proved a short reprieve for United. João Félix's back-heel released Antoine Griezmann, who stood up an inviting cross to the far post for Renan Lodi to head in.

The Red Devils increased the pressure after the break, and nearly levelled when Jadon Sancho's ferocious volley fizzed just over. Raphaël Varane thought he had forced extra time with a thumping header from Alex Telles' free-kick, but Oblak continued his stunning resistance as Atlético dug in to see out the remaining time.

The best reaction

Atletico Madrid forward Rodrigo de Paul told the media: "We played a great game. We suffered when we had to and hit when we had the chance, here at a great stadium against a great team."

Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann added: "I've played well over the last few weeks, and I wanted to show what I could do and help the side, both attacking and defensively today."

Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick told BT Sport: "I think we played a very good first half - exactly the way we wanted to play with a high energy level but we couldn't convert that into one or two goals.

"We had a few good moments where we should have scored but we didn't. Conceding that counter-attacking goal just before half-time didn't make life any easier."

UEFA Champions League 2021/22 - Round of 16, 2nd leg - Manchester United 0:1 Atlético de Madrid - Old Trafford, Manchester - March 15, 2022

Where next for United?

Perhaps the most frustrating thing for everyone associated with Man United is that Atlético aren't that great, and this was a winnable game for the reds. They are still very far behind the big clubs in England, and across Europe. 

Ralf Rangnick also spoke with BT Sport about closing the gap to Liverpool/Manchester City/Chelsea: "It's now too early. We still have another nine games to play in the Premier League. We will try to finish off this season in the highest possible level."

Photo credit - Ai Kagou


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