Elanga Cancels Felix's Amazing Goal, MU Avoids Defeat

Anthony Elanga (TWitter @manutd)

JAKARTA - Manchester United earned a 1-1 draw against hosts Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 on Thursday morning at the Wanda Metropolitano. Anthony Elanga scored United's goal in the last minute to cancel out Joao Felix's stunning first-half goal.

The hosts showed far more intensity early on as they dominated the Premier League side and took the lead in the seventh minute when Felix headed home superbly to meet Renan Lodi's cross.

However, with 10 minutes remaining, United scored from their first real chance of the game when Elanga, who had only been on the pitch for just five minutes, cooled past goalkeeper Jan Oblak for Bruno Fernandes' through ball.

Elanga's fine finish means we're level going into the second leg at Old Trafford #MUFC | #UCL

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 23, 2022

Atletico took control of the first half despite United controlling possession as Ralf Rangnick's side failed to register a touch in the opposition box during the first 45 minutes.

Home team manager Diego Simeone was rewarded for his decision to start Felix in attack alongside Angel Correa, while Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann were left on the bench.

Meanwhile, Rangnick opted to play Victor Lindelof at right-back which seemed to backfire when the Sweden international was targeted by Lodi and it was on their left that the hosts looked particularly dangerous.

Sime Vrsaljko almost doubled Atletico's lead just before half-time when his header hit the bar after United's Bruno Fernandes touched Lodi's cross.

Cristiano Ronaldo failed to influence the game, while Raphael Varane looked nervous as he returned to the Spanish capital.

Atletico looked for a second goal by bringing on Antoinne Griezmann and Thomas Lemar in the 75th minute but the hosts failed to add a crucial second and it was United who found the net late through Elanga.

Griezmann hit United's crossbar with a stunning curling effort four minutes from normal time.

The second leg will be played at Old Trafford on 15 March.