Manchester United Women maintain perfect Champions League start
Manchester United Women extended their perfect run in the Women’s Champions League with a 1-0 victory away at Atletico Madrid. The match swung on 25 minutes of high-quality football from United, a moment that set the tone for a tense, hard-fought contest at the Wanda Metropolitano. Fridolina Rolfo struck the decisive blow, firing home a volley from close range to give United the lead and a platform to defend against a stubborn Atleti side.
Controversy and resilience: Janssen red card overturned
The game took a dramatic turn on the cusp of half-time when Dominique Janssen, initially shown a yellow card for a foul on Gio Garbelini, was reviewed by VAR. The on-field decision was overturned, upgrading Janssen’s card to a red and leaving Atletico to play with ten players. Garbelini required treatment and was stretchered off, heightening the tension around the result as United clung to their lead.
How United coped with the numerical imbalance
Despite the red card, United refused to retreat. They continued to press and showed the defensive discipline that has underpinned their campaign so far. The goal was the product of United’s attacking intent in the opening minutes; however, it was Rolfo’s finish that provided the vital breakthrough and momentum boost for the visitors. United had chances to extend the lead before the red card, with Melvine Malard and Julia Zigiotti Olme linking well on the edge of the box, but finishing let them down in that moment.
Atleti respond and United’s defensive resolve
After Janssen’s red card, Atletico Madrid pressed with one eye on an equaliser, and Phallon Tullis-Joyce had to be at her best to deny Luamy on a couple of dangerous occasions. The hosts’ surge was tempered by United’s organization and counter-pressing when out of possession, as the visitors looked to protect their fragile lead and keep the tie within reach.
Late drama and missed opportunities
With around 15 minutes remaining, Atletico’s Alexia Fernandez received a second yellow for a reckless challenge on substitute Leah Galton, briefly giving Atleti renewed hope. Galton then created a late chance for Malard, but the finishing touch wasn’t there. The miss did little to alter the outcome, as United held firm to record their first win in their debut Champions League campaign and remain the only English side with a 100% start in the competition.
Manager and players reflect on United’s ‘Manchester United spirit’
Marc Skinner praised his side’s resilience, emphasizing the balance between quality football and the willingness to fight through adversity. He highlighted that the team’s success isn’t solely about dazzling attacking play but also the mental strength to overcome setbacks in Europe, a trait he says mirrors the club’s storied European heritage.
Rolfo and Olme on the team’s collective strength
Fridolina Rolfo, who opened the scoring, spoke about the importance of a strong mentality and the impact of bringing players off the bench, such as Leah Galton, to influence matches. Julia Zigiotti Olme echoed that sentiment, stressing the collective effort required to win games when circumstances are tough and the squad’s ability to defend effectively without the ball.
What this means going forward
United’s 1-0 win reinforces their status as early challengers in the group, demonstrating the ability to grind out results even when facing late-game pressure or a red-card setback. As they continue their Champions League campaign, the key will be maintaining this level of discipline and depth across fixtures, while Rolfo’s early-season form suggests United have the attacking threat to compete at the highest level.
In the larger context of the competition, the result keeps United’s European ambition on track and adds another chapter to a season defined by belief, resilience, and a clear conviction that the club’s “Manchester United spirit” can translate into success across Europe.
