March 16, (THEWILL) – Atletico Madrid eliminated Manchester United from the UEFA Champions League with a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, advancing to the quarter-finals with an aggregate score of 2-1.
Renan Lodi’s first-half goal was enough to win the second leg and, ultimately, the draw, while Atletico relied on a strong performance from a rejuvenated Jan Oblak in goal.
As the full-time whistle rang, United’s last chance of winning silverware this season went up in smokes, and the anguish among fans at Old Trafford was palpable, with some unruly supporters throwing drinks at Diego Simeone.
In the first 15 minutes alone, both goalkeepers made outstanding saves. Oblak denied Anthony Elanga from close range, despite the massive Slovenian knowing little about it as it hit him in the face, while David de Gea dived to his right to tip Rodrigo de Paul wide.
After being caught by Reinaldo, Bruno Fernandes felt he should have been given a penalty, but neither the referee nor the VAR agreed. Soon after, Atletico had the ball in the net thanks to Joao Felix, but Marcos Llorente was flagged for straying offside during the build-up.
However, Atletico took the lead for the first time when Lodi met Antoine Griezmann’s looping cross at the back post. The overlapping Frenchman had found an opportunity thanks to Felix’s deft back-heel.
As Atletico gained the ball back at the opposite end, United complained, believing Elanga had been fouled.
Oblak saved a sinking Fernandes attempt from distance for the visitors near the conclusion of the first half, before making high claims under pressure in stoppage time to keep the visitors lead in place.
Despite the fact that they were behind, United had played effectively in the first half, and Elanga had an early chance in the second 45. At the hour mark, Jadon Sancho caught a beautiful volley in the penalty area, but he could not keep his effort down and it went over the bar.
The tempo progressed at pace while Atletico managed the game in a way that few others can.
With time ticking away, Ralf Rangnick went for broke, bringing Marcus Rashford, Paul Pogba, and Edinson Cavani onto the pitch. Oblak, on the other hand, was unstoppable as the hosts gained momentum, making a superb reaction save from a Raphael Varane header.
But, as the game drew to a close that highly sought-after equaliser failed to materialise. At the final whistle, a victorious Simeone sprinted down the tunnel, while dodging objects thrown at him by the home fans.
Manchester United will have some time to reflect on their defeat as they do not play again in the Premier League until April 2 against Leicester City at Old Trafford. Atletico Madrid will play Rayo Vallecano on the road in LaLiga on Saturday.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
