Two sent off as Rolfo strike seals Man Utd success

Rolfo won the Champions League on two occasions during her time at FC Barcelona

Fridolina Rolfo's first Manchester United goal helped them edge past Atletico Madrid in a testing Women's Champions League tie that saw both sides have a player sent off.

The Swede, a summer arrival from Barcelona, volleyed home in the 24th minute to make it two wins from two in the league phase.

Marc Skinner's side made the perfect start to their European campaign last week with a 1-0 win over Valerenga, and they maintained that momentum in the Spanish capital, though they were made to work hard for the victory.

"We had to defend for our lives in the second half," said Skinner after the game. "I felt we started the game really well and should have scored a couple of goals.

"Overall I think it showed tremendous character as a team to withstand Atleti's attack. I'm really, really proud of the players."

After Ella Toone spurned an early chance on her record extending 200th appearance for the Red Devils, it was Swedish forward Rolfo who broke the deadlock. The two-time Champions League winner timed her back-post run perfectly to send a fine volley into the roof of the net.

Minutes later Melvine Malard went close to doubling the lead but, after a neat give and go with Julia Zigiotti Olme, she directed her toe-poked effort wide.

Four minutes before the break, United were reduced to 10 when centre-back Dominique Janssen was dismissed for a mistimed sliding challenge on former Arsenal winger Gio Garbelini.

Referee Eleni Antoniou's initial call of a yellow card was upgraded to a straight red after a lengthy video assistant referee (VAR) check adjudged the Dutch defender to have made significant contact with the ankle of Garbelini, who was taken off on a stretcher.

Atletico immediately set about making their numerical advantage count, forcing United keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce into a smart reaction save.

The hosts peppered the goal with shot after shot without reward before they also had a player sent off in the 74th minute.

Alexia Fernandez received her second yellow card card for scything down visiting substitute Leah Galton as she threatened to run clear.

Having been under significant pressure, United regained control in the closing stages, flexing their defensive muscle to grind out the victory.

With the hosts pushing high in search of a late equaliser, Malard spurned a golden chance to make it 2-0, curling wide from the edge of the box after a wonderful solo break.

Victory means United join Barcelona, Lyon, Wolfsburg and Real Madrid on maximum points after two games while Atletico have three points from their opening two fixtures.

Analysis: Skinner's side display defensive strength again

Manchester United have become one of the meanest defences on the continent in recent years, evidenced by them conceding just four goals in their 11 games played across all competitions so far this term.

They were made to use every bit of that defensive nous to keep Atletico at bay.

"I think Atleti are a very good team, so in order to stop them, we need to be excellent at keeping clean sheets," said United boss Skinner post-match.

"We're very, very good at defending. We knew it would be difficult for them, and we thought we could catch them on the counter."

Indeed the United back four were hardly tested in the first half until Janssen's controversial red card.

With the extra player, Atletico pressed and Tullis-Joyce's cool head in the midst of a penalty-box scramble ensured the lead remained intact at the break.

This late flurry at the end of the opening period was an indication of what was to come as Atletico adopted a shoot-on-sight approach after the restart, firing 15 shots goalwards compared to the three they managed in the first 45 minutes.

American keeper Tullis-Joyce was forced into several stops from close range, while skipper Maya Le Tissier led by example in front of her, making 10 total clearances from inside her own box.

As the home attacks continued, United's defensive line dropped deeper - that would normally be a worrying sign, but not for Skinner's side.

Their midfield duo of Hinata Miyazawa and Zigiotti Olme worked tirelessly in front of the backline, making the second and third most clearances after Le Tissier.

When the numbers were evened up with Fernandez' dismissal, United wrestled back control and held on to victory with their resolute defence.

What's next for these teams?

Manchester United visit Brighton in the Women's Super League on Sunday, 2 November (12:00 GMT), before hosting Paris St-Germain in the Women's Champions League on Wednesday, 12 November (20:00 GMT).

Atletico Madrid are next in action this Sunday, 19 October, when they head to 13th-placed Deportivo in Liga F (11:00 BST), and host Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday, 12 November (20:00 GMT).

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