Manchester United were clearly not ready when the Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg blew the whistle for the Champions League match against Atlético Madrid on Tuesday night.
Not even a full minute had been played before Atletico Madrid took the lead in a disastrous start for the Red Devils, who were easily torn apart by one ball forward before Barrios finished off an offshoot from Alex Baena that flowed in after a touch by Yoro. – Pablo Barrios scored after 49 seconds.
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It shouldn’t really be possible to score as quickly as Atlético Madrid did against Manchester United, so it doesn’t happen very often. But the superstars from Old Trafford didn’t keep up with letting the home team run straight through.
United looked confused for the first 10 minutes, but managed to keep the score at just 1-0 – before they even started to threaten. Bryan Mbeumo saw a chance bounce outside, before a fine run by Marcus Rashford missed the final touch after being found well by Lisandro Martínez over the top.
Mbeumo was then found in the left channel and forced a good save from Jan Oblak, before Carlos Baleba – in his first United start – headed straight at the goalkeeper from the following corner.
Álex Grimaldo then slammed a magnificent free-kick towards the outside of the post, while the chaotic feel that has been a hallmark of United’s games this season once again showed its ugly face.
It looked like Man Utd would go to half-time with a 2-0 lead after more defensive uncertainty, but the referee spotted a hand before Johnny Cardoso swept the ball into the net – so the deficit remained at one goal.
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United continued to probe early in the second half, but once again it was the hosts who came closest – when Julián Álvarez volleyed against the post after a lovely ball from Barrios.
Another great chance was lost for United, as Bruno Fernandes’ chip over Oblak just bounced off the wrong side of the post. At the other end, Lammens had to be on hand to beat away Baena’s attempt.
Then it was United’s turn to hit the woodwork, as Fernandes took a short corner before collecting it again and curling a great effort into the crossbar.
It felt like United’s chance to win the game might have passed them by, as Yoro was shown a red card for a clumsy tackle as the last man – a sending off that was given after a VAR check.
And a few minutes later, the game was decided for Atlético, when Lookman put in the rebound after Lammens’ first save.
The game ended 2–0 to the home team.
It was Pablo Barrios who scored the first goal of the evening, nicely played by Álex Baena – and the clock stood at 00:49.
“It’s so easy from Atlético Madrid’s perspective! From the back line all the way forward, a long ball over the defence – a fantastic pass that cuts right through Manchester United’s defence,” says Paul Robinson – former national team goalkeeper – in the BBC.
Also before half-time, Manchester United lived dangerously.
Atlético Madrid had a ball in the goal, but the referees in the VAR room found a hand before Johnny Cardoso found the net.
In the second half, the English chased an equaliser and came close through Bruno Fernandes, who had a ball in the crossbar. Then the chase became more difficult after Leny Yoro incurred a goal-scoring penalty.
Glenn Nyberg – who was the head referee – went out to the VAR screen and picked up the red card after a look. Soon after, the home side killed the game: Ademola Lookman stayed in front on a rebound and made sure the game ended 2-0.
Both Manchester United and Atlético Madrid are on three points after two rounds played.
Starting XI:
Atlético Madrid: Oblak – Llorente, Romero, Hancko, Grimaldo – Simeone, Barrios, Cardoso, Baena – Lee, Álvarez.
Manchester United: Lammens – Yoro, Heaven, Martínez, Dalot – Santos, Baleba – Fernandes, Tielemans, Rashford – Mbeumo.
