Manchester United produced a resilient performance to claim a 1-0 victory over Atlético Madrid in the Women’s Champions League, maintaining their perfect start to the competition despite playing much of the match with 10 players. Fridolina Rolfö scored the decisive goal, while Dominique Janssen’s first-half red card forced United to defend doggedly for nearly an hour.
United began brightly at the Centro Deportivo Alcalá de Henares, showing attacking intent from the first whistle. Ella Toone went close within 20 seconds, curling an effort narrowly wide, before Rolfö blazed over moments later. Atlético responded with a swift counterattack in the 16th minute, but Fiamma Iannuzzi’s low shot was blocked by captain Maya Le Tissier.
The breakthrough came in the 24th minute when Julia Zigiotti Olme’s cross from the right found Rolfö unmarked at the back post. The Swedish forward connected perfectly, smashing a close-range volley into the net to give United a deserved lead. Melvine Malard almost doubled the advantage shortly after, but her low shot slid just wide of the post.
However, United’s momentum was disrupted in the 37th minute. Janssen was initially booked for a sliding tackle on Gio Garbelini just outside the area, but after a VAR review, the yellow card was upgraded to red. The decision left United a player down, and Garbelini had to be stretchered off with what looked like a serious ankle injury.
In the second half, Atlético pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Synne Jensen dragged a shot wide, and goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce produced a crucial save to tip Luany’s fierce strike over the bar. United’s defence, marshalled by Le Tissier, stood firm under pressure.
The hosts’ hopes of a comeback faded when Alexia Fernández was sent off in the 74th minute after receiving a second yellow card for a late challenge on Leah Galton. With both sides down to 10 players, United regained composure and saw out the remaining minutes. Malard had another late chance but missed narrowly after breaking clear.
The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought win for Manchester United, who now sit on six points from two matches in their debut Women’s Champions League campaign. The result highlights their growing confidence and ability to grind out victories even in adversity.
