Football

Champions League: Manchester United escape with draw after Anthony Elanga pegs back Atletico Madrid

By Aman Shukla

Manchester United were spared a damaging and deserved defeat by Atletico Madrid on Wednesday as Anthony Elanga’s late goal got them a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Champions League last 16. Atletico outplayed a sluggish United for majority of the game at the Wanda Metropolitano and could have considered Joao Felix’s early goal scant reward heading into the second leg at Old Trafford in three weeks’ time.

But rather than extend their advantage, Atletico wasted it, Elanga racing onto a Bruno Fernandes through ball and applying a cool finish with 10 minutes left to earn United a draw that felt like a win.

United manager Ralf Rangnick was asked in his press conference what he told the United players at half-time.

“I told them this is not enough,” he said.

“We have to have more energy. It’s not about game-plans or tactics. It’s about conviction. It’s about belief. This is not enough. This is the Champions League.”

Aman Shukla

Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication. A media enthusiast who has a stronghold on communication, content writing, and copy writing. Aman is currently working as a subeditor at dailyindianews.com and can be reached at [email protected]