Man United Eases Past Atletico to Reach Women’s Champions League Quarterfinals for First Time

Leigh, England — Manchester United’s women’s side booked a historic place in the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarterfinals on Thursday night, completing a commanding 5-0 aggregate victory over Atlético Madrid with a 2-0 win at Leigh Sports Village.

United, protecting a three-goal cushion from the first leg in Spain, never looked in danger. Julia Zigiotti Olme, who had opened the scoring in Madrid, repeated the trick after 27 minutes, steering a precise left-foot finish beyond the keeper to settle any lingering nerves. Jess Park doubled the advantage seven minutes before the break, unleashing a spectacular long-range drive that flew into the top corner and effectively ended the tie as a contest.

Atlético’s uphill task became impossible when defender Xènia Pérez collected a second yellow card five minutes from time, reducing the visitors to ten players and capping a miserable evening for the Spanish club.

The result sends United into the last eight for the first time in the club’s history, where they will face German giants Bayern Munich.

Elsewhere, two-time champion VfL Wolfsburg also advanced, downing Juventus 2-0 in Turin and 4-2 on aggregate. Vivien Endemann struck on the break in the 18th minute, and substitute Cora Zicai sealed the win deep into stoppage time. The German side will meet record eight-time European champion Lyon in the next round.

Arsenal and Real Madrid had already secured their quarterfinal berths on Wednesday, eliminating OH Leuven and Paris FC respectively.

Under the competition’s new format mirroring the men’s Champions League, group winners Barcelona, Lyon, Chelsea and Bayern entered the knockout phase automatically, while teams placed fifth to 12th contested the playoff round.

Manchester United’s progression marks another milestone in the club’s rapid rise on the European stage, setting up a tantalizing clash with Bayern as they look to extend their debut knockout run even further.