Manchester United moved into the quarter-finals of the Women’s Champions League after a 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their play-off round tie.
Elizabeth Terland’s third-minute effort on Melvin Mallard’s goal seconds before the break put the visitors in control.
Atletico Madrid remained unfazed in the second half.
Atletico Madrid remained unfazed in the second half and had multiple opportunities to regain the tie, with Vilde Bo Risa hitting the crossbar, but Julia Zizziotti Olme’s header propelled United into the second leg scheduled for next Thursday.
United were quick out of the blocks and had the opener to show for it when Mallard sent a pass to Terland, who beat two defenders and arrowed a powerful shot into the top corner.
Elizabeth Terland celebrates scoring Man Utd’s opener with Melvin Mallard
And it could have been two five minutes later when Ellen Wangerheim headed Jess Park’s cross into the path of Terland, who finished firmly, but the assistant referee’s offside flag cut short the celebrations.
United were dominating the early proceedings and Atletico were hanging on, as Mallard proved troublesome and sent an effort straight at Lola Gallardo.
The hosts eventually settled into the contest, though, and Fiamma Benitez picked out a one-two with Sean Jensen but couldn’t curl his effort on target.
Manchester United extended their two-goal advantage five minutes before the break, with Hinata Miyazawa curling a beautiful finish into the bottom corner after a through ball headed for Mallard.
The home side looked to claw their way back into the contest, and Amour Sarigi drilled a shot on goal, but Fallon Tullis-Joyce made the save.
Atlético kept knocking on the door and were awarded a free-kick when Jed Riviere brought down Rosa Otermin outside the box and Boa Risa’s effort was tipped over the bar by Tullis-Joyce.
Despite Atlético’s pressure, United made it three when Mallard Zizziotti buried Olme beyond Gallardo.
Janssen: United is like a big family
Man Utd defender Dominic Janssen speaks to Disney+:
“It was a tough performance. I think the second half was a bit rough but we had some good plays in the first half. All in all we can be happy.
“The team’s performance is usually the secret weapon.” Everyone is happy here. It’s like a big family. That’s Man Utd’s strength.
“We came back after a good break and it showed in the performance.”
