Manchester United Women claim a 1-0 win at Atletico Madrid amid controversy
Manchester United Women extended their perfect start to life in the UEFA Women’s Champions League with a 1-0 victory away to Atletico Madrid. Fridolina Rolfo scored her first goal for the club in a bright opening 25 minutes, but United were forced to navigate a dramatic second half after Dominique Janssen’s red card, overturned on review, changed the dynamics of the game.
How the match unfolded
The visitors began with intent, applying early pressure and taking the lead when Rolfo struck a powerful volley from close range. The strike, her 20th in the Champions League era of her career, underscored United’s attacking ambitions and hinted at the quality the side could lean on throughout Europe this season.
However, the game swung just before half-time when Janssen, initially booked for a clumsy foul on Gio Garbelini, was sent to the pitch-side monitor. The replay led to a turning point as the yellow card was upgraded to a red, altering the balance of play and leaving Atleti with a numerical advantage for most of the second half. Garbelini left the field on a stretcher, highlighting the physical toll of the match on the hosts.
Hanging on with 10 players
Despite playing with ten, United demonstrated resilience and organisation, denying Atletico’s late push through solid defending and crucial saves. Melvine Malard and Julia Zigiotti Olme combined promisingly on the edge of the box earlier in the match, but Malard couldn’t convert from close range to extend United’s lead before Janssen’s dismissal.
As the hosts pressed with the extra man, goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce produced a series of fine saves to keep United in front. A potential second goal for United never arrived, and the chance to extend the advantage fell to Malard again late on after a neat buildup with Leah Galton, who had come on as a substitute and added energy and urgency in midfield and attack.
Late drama and celebrations
The second yellow brandished to Athletic defender Alexia Fernandez, after a reckless challenge on Galton, left Atletico with a renewed sense of urgency but could not find a breakthrough. Galton’s impact off the bench, including her willingness to track back and win ball, epitomised United’s gritty approach in a game that tested both teams’ patience and tenacity.
Rolfo later reflected on the changing mood in an interview with ESPN, emphasizing the importance of team depth and mental strength. “The game changed when we got the red card. Mentally, it was a game that changed a lot,” she said, highlighting the squad’s focus on collective resilience and discipline. Teammate Julia Zigiotti Olme echoed the sentiment, praising the squad’s “heart” and unity even under pressure.
Reaction from the coaching staff and players
Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner praised the “Manchester United spirit” that carried his side through a challenging period. He stressed that football is not only about fluent attacking play but also about grinding out results when the odds are against you, a quality he believes his squad is developing in Europe’s top club competition.
Rolfo and Olme both spoke about the club’s growing European identity, with Rolfo noting the significance of competing in the Champions League for a group of players who have waited for the opportunity to shine on this stage. Olme added that the victory proves United can defend tenaciously and win even when not at their best.
What it means for United’s European campaign
With the victory, United maintain a flawless start to their debut Champions League campaign and remain the only English side to win their opening fixture in the latest edition. The result keeps the squad on track for a deep run in Europe, where experiences of past campaigns are helping to shape a more collective, resilient approach this season.
Looking ahead
As United celebrate their narrow win, attention will turn to how they manage suspensions, fatigue, and the lop-sided fixture list that comes with a long Champions League run. If the team can sustain this blend of grit and quality, they’ll be positioned to convert early-season momentum into sustained European success.
