Atletico Madrid vs Man United: Anthony Elanga Rescues Red Devils as Tough Champions League Clash Ends in Draw

Atletico Madrid vs Man United: Anthony Elanga Rescues Red Devils as Tough Champions League Clash Ends in Draw

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:56 PM
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  • Atletico Madrid vs Man United Champions League clash ended in a 1-1 draw at Wanda Metropolitano
  • The hosts surrendered a 1-0 goal advantage to allow United secure a vital result through substitute Anthony Elanga
  • The Red Devils will now be looking to get the job done in the second leg at Old Trafford for a chance to reach the quarters

Man United had Anthony Elanga to thank during their Champions League trip to Atletico Madrid as the youngster came off the bench to salvage a 1-1 draw for the Red Devils.

United went into the first leg of the round of 16 clash off a thrilling 4-2 win over Leeds last weekend in the Premier League.

Players shake hands at the end of the UEFA Champions League football match between Atletico de Madrid and Manchester United at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on February 23, 2022. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP)
The hosts surrendered a 1-0 goal advantage to allow United secure a vital result through substitute Anthony Elanga. Photo by JAVIER SORIANO.
Source: Getty Images

Ralf Rangnick's charges were therefore desperate to build on the result during their visit to Atletico as they chase the only trophy they can realistically win this season.

Man United trails Atletico at half-time

However, the visitors had to fight from a goal down during the Wednesday night, February 23, encounter to secure a vital draw away from home.

Joao Felix handed Atletico the lead inside seven minutes of action, planting home a powerful header from Lodi's well-whipped cross.

The hosts were arguably the dominant side for the remainder of the half as United struggled to break their compact defence.

Elanga's magical moment

With United still trailing after the break, Rangnick was forced to ring a couple of tactical changes, making a triple substitution as Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, and Paul Pogba paved way for Nemanja Matic, Wan-Bissaka and Alex Telles.

However, it was the introduction of Elanga in the 76th minute that made the difference, as the youngster went on to restore parity for United four minutes later.

The forward, who came on in place of Marcus Rashford calmly rolled the ball across the keeper and into the bottom left to make it 1-1.

Neither side could bag the winner for the remainder of the match as United headed home the happier side.

The Premier League giants will now be looking to get the job done during the second leg to be played at Old Trafford for a chance to reach the quarter-final.

Simeone praises Man United as one of the best in the world

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has described Manchester United as one of the best teams in the world.

Simeone made the claim just hours before Atletico take on United in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clash.

"We’re facing one of the best teams in the world. They’ve just lost one in 15," Simeone said.
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Fred Kennedy
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