Draw at the Wanda Metropolitano
João Félix's goal was not enough to overcome Manchester United. In the 80th minute, Elanga equalised on the English side's first shot on goal. The tie will be decided at Old Trafford on 15 March.
Amazing atmosphere at the Wanda Metropolitano for Manchester United's second visit to our home ground. Thirty-one years ago it was at the Vicente Calderón. This time in a packed Red & White stadium, with 3,000 English fans in the north end and a spectacular mosaic of 55,000 cards. The truth is that the game could not have started better for our team, with a warning from João Félix, who shot from the edge of the area but did not find the net in the fifth minute. But two minutes later would come the first goal of the night.
From a corner kick, Lodi picked up the ball in the Manchester area, lifted his head, saw João Félix and put in a poisoned sweet which the Portuguese headed in at the right post and the ball found its way into the net. Madness in the stands. Atletico had entered the game in good form and managed to take the lead. United were slow to react and it was not until the quarter of an hour mark that they reached the edge of the box with a shot from Bruno Fernandes that hit a Red & White defender and went just wide of Oblak's left-hand post.
Our team continued to play in search of the second goal. The team was firm in defence, very solid, hard-working and whenever there was an opportunity to look for the rival goal. So, on the half hour mark, the same players who scored the goal tried the play. Lodi's cross and João Félix's shot went wide. Shortly after, in the 34th minute, it was Lodi who shot against De Gea's goal. And, in the 37th minute, Ronaldo's shot went wide. Just before the break, another chance for us. Again Lodi's cross from the left was headed over the bar by Vrsaljko. That was the end of the half-time whistle.
The second half did not have such a clear Red & White colour, although there was a lack of chances as in the first half. However, on Manchester United's first shot on goal, the equaliser arrived. Bruno Fernandes' through ball was crossed in by Elanga to make it an unfair result for what had been seen in the match. In the 87th minute, Griezmann hit the crossbar. There went the victory, which would have been a result more in keeping with what was seen on the pitch. The return leg at Old Trafford on 15 March. This Saturday, the next league game at the Wanda Metropolitano against Celta.
