United battle to hard-fought victory in Madrid

Atlético Madrid 0 - 1 Manchester United 

Fridolina Rolfö’s first goal for United proved decisive as they edged past Atlético Madrid in a hard-fought encounter. 

Author | Olivia T

Stadium | Centro Deportivo Wanda Alcalá de Henares

The Swedish international, a summer signing from Barcelona, struck in the 24th minute to give United their second win from two matches in the league phase.

Marc Skinner’s side had opened their European campaign with a narrow victory over Valerenga last week, and they carried that momentum into the Spanish capital.

After early chances for Ella Toone and Rolfö, it was the latter who broke the deadlock. The two-time Champions League winner timed her run to perfection at the back post, volleying emphatically into the roof of the net.

United players celebrate their goal

Melvine Malard almost doubled the lead soon after, combining neatly with Julia Zigiotti Olme before dragging her effort narrowly wide.

Red card drama

United’s task became far more difficult four minutes before half-time when centre-back Dominique Janssen was shown a red card. The Dutch defender was initially booked for a sliding challenge on former Arsenal winger Gio Garbelini, but the decision was upgraded to a dismissal following a lengthy VAR review, with replays showing significant contact on the ankle of Garbelini, who left the field on a stretcher.

Atlético sought to make their advantage count and forced goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce into a fine reflex save. The hosts pressed relentlessly after the interval, firing a series of efforts on goal, but their pressure came to an abrupt halt when Alexia Fernández was sent off in the 74th minute after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on substitute Leah Galton.

United steadied themselves in the closing stages and could have extended their lead when Malard curled wide after a brilliant solo run.

Skinner’s side held firm to secure the win and underline their growing resilience in Europe. The defeat leaves Atlético on three points from their opening two fixtures in the group.