Manchester United delivered a composed and clinical performance at Leigh Sports Village to dispatch a disappointing Atlético Madrid side, sealing an emphatic 5–0 aggregate victory and booking their place in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Champions League.
Holding a three-goal advantage from the first leg in Spain, United entered the reverse fixture firmly in control — but there was no hint of complacency. From the opening whistle, Marc Skinner’s side pressed with purpose, determined to extinguish any hope of a comeback.
Atlético began brightly, attempting to unsettle the hosts with aggressive pressing and direct runs into the channels. Phallon Tullis-Joyce was called into action early on, producing sharp reaction saves, and the visitors will rue their inability to capitalise during that spell.
The breakthrough arrived in the 28th minute. After a brilliant piece of play from Lisa Naalsund, she picked out Filippa Angeldahl Zigiotti Olme in acres of space inside the box. The Swedish midfielder made no mistake, sliding the ball past Lola Gallardo to stretch the aggregate lead to 4–0.
Just before half-time, United struck again — and in spectacular fashion. Jess Park collected the ball outside the area and unleashed a thunderous drive into the top-right corner, a strike worthy of illuminating any European night. At 2–0 on the evening and 5–0 overall, the contest was effectively over.
The second half was managed with maturity and authority. United dictated possession and tempo, limiting Atlético to speculative efforts as frustration began to creep into the visitors’ play. Their evening worsened further when a late red card for Pérez compounded an already difficult night.
United’s progression to the quarter-finals marks the deepest run in their Women’s Champions League history and underlines their growing stature among Europe’s elite.
Next up are German heavyweights Bayern Munich, with the ties set to be staged at the men’s home grounds — a night at the Allianz Arena and another under the floodlights of Old Trafford awaits.
Manchester United: Tullis-Joyce; Lundkvist (George 65), Le Tissier (c), Turner, Janssen; Zigiotti (Awujo 46), Miyazawa; Park (Anderson 78), Naalsund, Malard; Schuller (Wangerheim 55).
Subs not used: Middleton-Patel, Rendell.
Goals: Zigiotti 28, Park 41.
Booked: Schuller, Lundkvist.
Atlètico Madrid: Gallardo (c); Alexia, Xenia, Lauren, Menayo (Rodriguez 58), Medina (Otermin 65); Boe Risa (Penalvo 58), Bartel, Fiamma (Kuhl 65); Jensen, Amaiur (Luany 74).
Subs not used: Bucero, Larque, Chinchilla, Gio, Guijarro, Portales.
Booked: Menayo, Xenia, Lauren.
Sent off: Xenia.
Attendance: 4,225.
