Manchester United rescued a draw against Atlético de Madrid in the Champions League

Atlético de Madrid and Manchester United drew 1-1 in their Champions League round of 16 match. Félix and Elanga scored the goals in a match that was much better for the Spanish team, which deserved more but had to settle for a draw. The rematch will be played on March 15 at Old Trafford.

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Diego Simeone opted for a forward line of Ángel Correa and Joao Félix while leaving Luis Suárez and Antoine Griezmann, who is returning from injury, on the substitutes' bench. From the start, his decision was the right one because before 10 minutes they were already ahead on the scoreboard.

From the start, the home side came out determined to win the match with high pressure and an intense dynamic, turning the midfield into a mere transition zone. Thus, and in front of a completely bewildered English team, they found themselves with the opening goal after six minutes.

The other Portuguese star scored first

It was Joao Félix who made it 1-0 with a header from a cross by Lodi after a sloppy start by the visitors, which allowed the Portuguese player to appear free in the middle of the goal and score with his head.

It was a perfect first half for Cholo's team, who did not need any intervention from their goalkeeper, completely suffocated their opponent, and had the chance to score another goal, had it not been for the ball hitting the crossbar.

On the other hand, Manchester United closed an opening stage with a lackluster performance, without ideas, with the forwards disconnected from the rest of the team, with Pogba lacking rhythm to make some decisions and completely alone in the middle, with individual performances, especially from Maguire and Varane, worrying for a club that aspires to become strong in this competition and with an annoying Cristiano Ronaldo.

Rangnick adjusted and helped Manchester United improve

In the second half, Atletico Madrid did not let up in the pressure, but they found a rival that came out of the siege, although they did not generate clear goal situations. Pogba was sent off by Rangnick's decision to bring on Matic, something that annoyed the Frenchman, whose performance was far from being approved. The German also moved the bench to make room for Elanga, Wan-Bissaka, and Telles.

Meanwhile, on the field of play, Joao Felix, victim of several infractions and the home team's main attacking weapon, was the star player. But, in a strange decision, Simeone opted to take the Portuguese player off with less than 20 minutes to go to bring on Antoine Griezmann.

When it seemed that the danger was moving away from the goals and the game was cut short by constant fouls, an isolated play appeared in which Bruno Fernandes was able -for the first time- to run several meters with the ball under control through the center of the field and assisted the young Elanga. 

Elanga converted with the calmness of an experienced player

The 19-year-old Swede took advantage of a very bad run by Reinildo, who was left sprawled on the ground when he tried to cut off the pass and scored at the far post when he came face to face with Oblak.

In the 40th minute of the second half, the crossbar once again cut off Aleti's goal shout. From a dead ball, Griezmann appeared free at the far post and with a shot to place the ball into the net when De Gea was a mere observer of the play.

The final draw leaves Manchester United, who did not play well but still did not lose, more satisfied. Since the away goal no longer has an extensive value, the winner at Old Trafford on March 15 will qualify for the round of 16 and, in case of a draw, there will be extra time and, if necessary, penalties.

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