Atletico Madrid Women 0-3 Manchester United Women: Clinical United seize control of Champions League tie

Manchester United Women authored a statement victory in their first-ever Champions League knockout match, sweeping aside Atletico Madrid 3-0 at the Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano to take a commanding lead into next week’s second leg.

Elisabeth Terland ignited the tie inside the opening exchanges, latching on to Melvine Malard’s interception before cutting inside two defenders and rifling an unstoppable left-footed strike into the far corner. The Norwegian nearly doubled her account five minutes later when she cracked a first-time volley into the roof of the net from Ellen Wangerheim’s knock-down, only for VAR to intervene and chalk off the effort.

United’s high press continued to unsettle the Spanish champions, and the visitors struck again on the stroke of half-time. Hinata Miyazawa seized possession near halfway, surged at the retreating back line and slipped a perfectly weighted pass into Malard. The French forward shifted the ball onto her right foot and curled a sumptuous effort beyond the goalkeeper to double the advantage.

Atletico emerged with greater intent after the restart. Vilde Bøe Risa, facing her former club, came closest to reducing the deficit when her dipping free-kick was clawed onto the woodwork by Phallon Tullis-Joyce. Moments later, Maya Le Tissier produced back-to-back blocks to deny what appeared a certain goal, preserving United’s two-goal cushion.

The tie was put to bed ten minutes from time. Neat approach play outside the area ended with Lisa Naalsund feeding Malard, who in turn released substitute Julia Olme. The Swedish midfielder took a touch and lashed a low left-footed finish inside the near post to complete the scoring.

Marc Skinner’s side will now return to Leigh Sports Village protecting a 3-0 aggregate lead, leaving the Red Devils on the brink of a maiden quarter-final appearance in Europe’s premier club competition.