The Manchester United Women have decisively advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals, setting up a showdown against Bayern Munich following an impressive 5-0 aggregate victory over Atletico Madrid.
After securing a 3-0 advantage in the first leg, United continued their dominance with a 2-0 win at Leigh Sports Village.
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First-half goals from Julia Zigiotti Olme and Jess Park confirmed their progression, even with manager Marc Skinner facing injury challenges that left him with only four outfield substitutes.
The match started energetically, with both sides creating scoring opportunities, and Atletico’s Synne Jensen proving to be particularly menacing.
United had to switch to their third-choice black kit as Atletico inadvertently brought an incorrect goalkeeper shirt color.
Phallon Tullis-Joyce made two crucial saves to thwart Jensen, while Lauren missed a clear chance, heading over from close range.
United secured a 2-0 win at Leigh Sports Village (Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
At the other end of the pitch, Lea Schuller found space but was denied by a save from Lola Gallardo, while a heavy touch from Lisa Naalsund allowed the goalkeeper to claim the ball after she had also broken free of the visiting defense.
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Only a last-minute block from Millie Turner prevented Jensen from potentially scoring again, but with 28 minutes played, United took the lead, essentially sealing the tie.
Naalsund set up Zigiotti Olme for a 15-yard shot that slipped under the diving Gallardo, who will undoubtedly feel she could have done better.
Although Gallardo managed to get a leg on Hinata Miyazawa’s attempt after a slick run, she was powerless to stop Park’s spectacular strike from 22 yards just four minutes before halftime, which bent perfectly into the top corner.
In the second half, United came closest to extending their lead, with substitute Ellen Wangerheim having a close-range shot tipped over the crossbar by Gallardo, and Park hitting the post. Seventeen-year-old Jess Anderson also had a near miss on her debut, while Atletico ended the match with ten players as Xenia Perez received her second yellow card late in the game.