Atlético Madrid secured their first Champions League win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Manchester United on Tuesday, a result the squad dedicated to captain Koke following the death of his mother earlier that day. Pablo Barrios opened the scoring after just one minute and Ademola Lookman sealed the win in the 79th, in a match where Simeone's side were disciplined and clinical.
A dream start
The match could not have begun better for the hosts. With the Wanda Metropolitano still observing a minute's silence for Koke's mother, Alejandro Baena stole the ball on the left wing and his first-time cross found the run of Pablo Barrios, who volleyed home to give his team an early lead. The goal after 60 seconds settled an Atlético side that controlled the tempo for much of the first half.
Control and the clincher
Manchester United, with more possession, created some chances through Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes, but Oblak was secure in goal. The sending off of defender Leny Yoro in the 74th minute for a second yellow card made things even harder for the English side. Five minutes later, substitute Ademola Lookman, who had come on for Baena, pounced on a loose ball inside the box to smash home the second goal. Manager Simeone praised the collective effort. "It was a good game from the team. They created chances, but we played a very serious match," the Argentine coach said.
The win comes during an excellent run of form for Atlético, who have now won five consecutive matches in all competitions and sit second in LaLiga with 19 points. The team now turns its focus to domestic league action, with a visit to Espanyol next Saturday. Captain Koke, absent from the squad due to bereavement, received the full support of the group. "We found out this morning and it has been a blow for him and for us," a teammate explained on behalf of the squad. Their next Champions League fixture is in two weeks, with Atlético strengthening their position in the group.
Atletico Madrid's defeat of Manchester United has had repercussions in the visitors' dressing room. The Manchester United squad cancelled a planned team dinner, the club reported. Defender Lisandro Martínez expressed frustration at the team's lack of quality after the match, though he later clarified his comments. Atletico, now on a five-game winning run, visit Espanyol this Saturday.
