Manchester United secured their spot in the Women’s Champions League quarterfinals with a commanding 5-0 aggregate victory over Bayern Munich, following a dominant win against Atlético Madrid.
After leading 3-0 from the first leg, United needed just a few goals to secure their advancement, with first-half strikes from Julia Zigiotti Olme and Jess Park leading to a 2-0 triumph at Leigh Sports Village.
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Due to injury concerns, United manager Marc Skinner could only name four outfield substitutes, while the team was required to don their third-choice black kit after Atlético unintentionally brought the wrong-colored goalkeeper shirt.
The opening 25 minutes were lively, with both teams creating chances, particularly Atlético’s Synne Jensen
posing a real threat.
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Phallon Tullis-Joyce made two excellent saves to thwart Atlético’s efforts, while Lauren missed a clear opportunity, heading over from close range.
On the contrary, Lea Schüller managed to break through the defense but was denied by Lola Gallardo, and Lisa Naalsund‘s heavy touch allowed the goalkeeper to easily collect the ball after she found space behind United’s defense.
United took control of the match as they opened the scoring in the 28th minute. Naalsund set up Zigiotti Olme, who fired a shot from 15 yards that slipped under the diving Gallardo, who will likely feel she could have done better.
Gallardo managed to deflect a shot from Hinata Miyazawa following a skillful run, but she was powerless to stop Park’s remarkable goal just four minutes before halftime, with the England midfielder curling her shot into the top corner from 22 yards.
In the second half, United nearly doubled their lead, with substitute Ellen Wangerheim‘s close-range effort tipped over the bar by Gallardo, while Park hit the post in her attempt to score again.
Seventeen-year-old Jess Anderson also nearly found the net on her debut, and Atlético finished the match with 10 players after Xenia Perez received a second yellow card late in the game.