Atletico Madrid secured a 2-0 victory over 10-man Manchester United in a controversial UEFA Champions League clash, punishing the English side after a late red card and extending their unbeaten head-to-head run against the Red Devils to five matches.
The defeat puts further pressure on Manchester United manager Michael Carrick, whose side struggled to contain Atletico’s early attacking threat before losing Leny Yoro to a disputed red card late in the game.
Atletico took the lead just 53 seconds after kick-off when Alex Baena delivered a pass into the path of Pablo Barrios, who fired home despite Ayden Heaven’s attempt to clear the ball off the line.
The Spanish side continued to threaten, but United came close to equalising when Bryan Mbeumo created space inside the box. Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak reacted quickly to divert his effort narrowly wide.
Mbeumo tested Oblak again midway through the first half after exchanging passes with Youri Tielemans and driving towards goal from the left. The goalkeeper kept out his near-post effort before denying Carlos Baleba from the resulting corner as the midfielder made his full debut.
Atletico nearly doubled their advantage when Alejandro Grimaldo curled a free-kick against the junction of the post and crossbar.
United received a reprieve shortly before half-time when Johnny Cardoso’s goal was ruled out following a pitchside review. Marcos Llorente was penalised for handball in the build-up, keeping the visitors within reach of a comeback.
Atletico resumed the second half with renewed attacking intent, and Barrios came close to providing another goal when his pass over United’s defence found former Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez. His volley beat goalkeeper Senne Lammens but struck the post.
United responded almost immediately through a counterattack. Tielemans played a pass behind Atletico’s defence, allowing Bruno Fernandes to attempt a chip over the advancing Oblak, but his effort narrowly missed the target.
Fernandes remained influential and struck the crossbar with a cross-shot with 20 minutes remaining, raising hopes of an equaliser.
However, United’s comeback hopes suffered a major setback when Yoro received a retrospective red card following a collision with Jonathan David. The defender was judged to have denied David an obvious goalscoring opportunity, although the decision appeared harsh.
Atletico took advantage of their numerical superiority five minutes later to seal the victory. David’s initial effort was parried into the path of Ademola Lookman, who tapped the rebound into the unguarded net to make it 2-0.
With the result effectively settled, Carrick withdrew Fernandes, seemingly mindful of Manchester United’s upcoming weekend clash against fierce rivals Leeds United.
The defeat leaves United searching for their first away league victory of the season as they turn their attention to the domestic fixture.
For Atletico, the victory provided another boost to their Champions League campaign. The Spanish side have now won 10 of their last 12 matches in the competition’s group stage and league phase, further strengthening their record against Manchester United.