Manchester United defeated Atlético Madrid 2-0 in the second leg to advance 5-0 on aggregate and reach the quarter-finals of the Women’s Champions League for the first time.
United have now won eight games in a row in all competitions and will face Bayern Munich in their next game after a ruthless performance at Leigh Sports Village saw them oust Atletico.
Julia Gigiotti Olme’s opening goal in the 28th minute broke Atletico’s early abandon, and there was no doubt that Jess Park’s long-range shot late in the first half had leveled the score.
Atletico, who led 3-0 on aggregate after the first leg, got off to a quick start and should have found an early goal, but central defender Laurent headed home from close range in the first of many missed chances.
Atlético showed their frustration in the closing stages as Ksenia Perez received two bookings in 10 minutes and was sent off.
Mark Skinner’s team were without many key players due to injury or illness, but despite having only four outfield players on the bench, they had no trouble getting past Atletico.
All four of these players featured, including 17-year-old debutant Jess Anderson, who had not been part of the matchday squad until this game.
In their first Champions League appearance, United will advance to the quarter-finals and will face the German champions in two games on March 24th and 25th and April 1st and 2nd. They join holders Arsenal and Chelsea as one of three WSL clubs to advance to the last eight.
Skinner: We have a spirit that other teams don’t have.
Manchester United head coach Mark Skinner told ESPN:
“We have made history for the club again, potentially creating a drool-worthy relationship with Allianz and Manchester United.”
“Atlético were not ruthless in the final stages. They created space but couldn’t finish. We were ruthless at both ends and that’s why we won 5-0.”
“The last block of games was tough, with a lot of injuries and illnesses. The 2-0 win against Atlético Madrid shows their humanity.
“It takes a special character to play for Manchester United. Ziggy wasn’t feeling well again tonight so we took her off at half-time. But coming on as a substitute and scoring a goal showed that character.”
“We have that in abundance. We have this spirit that other teams don’t have.”
Park: We made history again with this special group.
Manchester United goalscorer Jess Park told ESPN:
“It feels great. We’re making history again with this team and we’re getting stronger and stronger.
“We want to have fun on the pitch at the highest level and you can see we’re all smiling. This is a special group of girls and I’m happy to be a part of it.”
“It will be a tough game (against Bayern Munich), but we are ready for it.”
More to come.
