Manchester United battled their way to a nervy 1-0 win against Atletico Madrid in the Women’s Champions League.

Both sides ended the tense affair with 10 players after Dominique Janssen was shown a straight red card shortly before half-time, while Alexia Fernandez received a second yellow in the 74th minute.

The winning goal came from the boot of Fridolina Rolfo, who scored past Lola Gallardo with a stunning volley midway through the first half. Ella Toone’s awkward header fell kindly for Rolfo, who made no mistake with her finish at the near post.

But just as United looked to seize complete control of the match, Janssen’s initial yellow card for a challenge on Gio Garbelini was upgraded to a red card following a VAR check.

Atletico looked to capitalise on their advantage, but struggled to find their way past Phallon Tullis-Joyce in the United goal. She made six saves in total, denying Luany twice as well as strong efforts from Silvia Lloris and Lauren Leal.

After Alexia received a second yellow for a late foul on Leah Galton, Marc Skinner’s side held on to see out the full-time whistle, with Melvine Malard even coming close to scoring a second but failing to find the target.

Two wins from two in the #UWCL!

— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) October 16, 2025

Data Debrief: First English success at Atletico

Atletico produced 1.41 expected goals (xG) to United’s 1.0, but that was largely due to the visitor’s early red card. The Women’s Super League side took just two shots in the second half after registering eight in the first period, during which they accumulated 0.8 xG to the hosts’ 0.32.

This was the first-ever meeting between Atletico and United, but it was the sixth time Las Rojiblancas faced an English side.

Atletico’s record against sides from the WSL had been impressive in the lead-up, having lost one of their previous six, winning two and drawing three, while this was their first loss at home to such opposition (W1 D2).