Shockingly weak Man United get too much thanks to goldcrest Elanga


Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 10:54 PM• Tom Rofekamp • Last update: 23:23

Atlético Madrid and Manchester United shared the points on Wednesday evening. In the first game of the diptych in the eighth final of the Champions League, Diego Simeone’s team had nothing to fear from the visitors for 77 minutes, but a goal by substitute Anthony Elanga nevertheless made it 1-1. The Swede thus undone the early (and beautiful) opening goal by João Felix. Atlético hit the bar no less than three times, which turned out not to be enough for a victory.

Simeone’s team had a dream start in the Wanda Metropolitano. Renan Lodi saw João Felix run and hurled the ball from the left towards the penalty spot. The Portuguese headed the pike through the inside of the post behind David de Gea: 1-0. United, as so often this season, had little offensive gogme and the 2-0 was in the air before the 1-1. Ten minutes before tea, Lodi was close to scoring himself: the Brazilian passed Victor Lindelöf, but saw his attempt end up in the side net.

It had to come from the left back annex left midfielder for los Colchoneros† On the stroke of half-time, he delivered the ball to Sime Vrjsalko’s head – albeit via Bruno Fernandes – who, to his regret, saw his header shatter against the post. A result for United seemed a long way off, and the second half did not suggest otherwise. Fifteen minutes before the final whistle, Ralf Rangnick brought Elanga in front of the struggling Marcus Rashford. It turned out to be a masterstroke. Less than five minutes later, Fernandes sent a cross ball to the attacker, who completely misjudged Reinildo. Elanga didn’t hesitate for a moment and aimed just right past Jan Oblak: 1-1. Substitute Antoine Griezmann hit the bar from close by in the final phase, but Atlético did not get what it deserved.