Manchester United played resiliently to claim a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in their third Women’s Champions League tie this season. We were surprised and impressed by their resilience and team spirit! The match, held at the club’s home ground, marked another successful chapter in United’s campaign as they maintained their perfect start to the tournament. Fridolina Rolfo scored the lone goal of the match. It was her first for the club and put her new side on top early.
Things began to get tense in the match when Dominique Janssen received a yellow card. Tempers flared further after a lengthy VAR review saw her shown a red card. Colour referee Eleni Antoniou witnessed the incident and overturned her call. Consequently, Manchester United were reduced to just ten men for the remainder of the game. Even through that disappointment, manager Marc Skinner was full of praise for his team’s fighting spirit and their ability to adapt under pressure.
A Memorable Goal and Team Spirit
Fridolina Rolfo’s goal was a game-changing goal, giving Manchester United the confidence to dominate the cup match right from the start. She celebrated the goal with her new teammates. As one, they represented the togetherness and fight that has marked this team’s formidable campaign.
Winger Julia Zigiotti Olme, one of United’s most important players, commented on the match’s physical nature.
“That was a tough game. A lot of running, a lot of blocking. A lot of heart from the team. Happy to get the win.” – Julia Zigiotti Olme
Zigiotti Olme recognized that the team’s performance on the field was not up to par. Their pride at being able to wear the Manchester United jersey really came out in full.
“The first quarter of the season we’ve been really good. Today wasn’t our best game but we show we are proud to be Manchester United players.” – Julia Zigiotti Olme
The team’s depth was on full display as it was the bench that helped put a stamp on the lopsided affair. Zigiotti Olme praised the impact of their bench players, noting that their ability to keep pressure on the opposition was key.
“Every player that came in made a difference. They helped the team. I can’t find the words right now. They gave everything and helped us.” – Julia Zigiotti Olme
Controversy Surrounds the Red Card Decision
The red card issued to Dominique Janssen was a pivotal moment in the match, prompting discussions about officiating standards in women’s football. Janssen was shown a yellow card for her awful challenge at first. After a video review, that call was reversed and a red card issued.
Skinner took to social media to voice his bewilderment at the ruling, which penalized his player’s intended play on the field.
“I don’t think it’s a scissoring action, which is what I was told. It is a natural action for Dom to try and win the ball.” – Marc Skinner
Even with the game changed after being reduced to ten players, Manchester United showed great composure and defensive quality during second half. They thoroughly outplayed and shut down Atletico Madrid’s attacking threats while creating many more quality opportunities of their own.
As Zigiotti Olme mentioned, the team’s commitment to resilience shone through even in the darkest of circumstances.
“I think it’s important for us that even though these things happen [the red card], we can stand up for ourselves and can show that we are good at defending even though we don’t have the ball.” – Julia Zigiotti Olme
Atletico Madrid’s Struggles and Injury Concerns
Atletico Madrid had made it through the worst of Manchester United’s combative rearguard. Bandits manager Vilda Boe Risa was honest about her team’s offensive woes in the loss. She expressed her fear of injuries that could affect their upcoming matches.
Risa took special notice of Gio Garbelini’s injury, sharing that she was in a lot of pain throughout the match.
“It was not nice. She was in a lot of pain. She was really really scared and upset because she knew what was happening.” – Vilda Boe Risa
Atletico Madrid found themselves in a similar situation after a difficult run of form. To compete at a high level in future matches, they need to play more consistently and avoid the injury bug.
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