After Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo is the second big superstar to say goodbye to the Champions League after the round of 16. The Portuguese and Manchester United suffer a bitter 1-0 defeat at home to Atlético Madrid and are thrown out of the premier class.
Three weeks ago, Anthony Elanga’s late equalizer put United in a good position for the second leg. The 19-year-old Swede also had the first big chance of the game in the second leg at Old Trafford when he deflected a Fernandes cross from close range into the Atlético goal in the 13th minute. Goalie Oblak saved a bit unconventionally with his head.
Lodi successful after counterattack
On the other side, De Gea scraped a long-range shot from De Paul out of the corner (16′). In the 33rd minute, the Spanish lead was just a little short. The supposed goal of Félix, who had already scored in the first leg, was rightly denied because of an offside position by passer Llorente. The goal from Atético left-back Lodi shortly before the break then counted (41st). The Brazilian completed a nice counterattack with a head-heel from Félix to make it 1-0.
Elanga also had the first chance of the second half. The United wing narrowly missed a few seconds after the restart. As a result, the Red Devlis kept biting their teeth on the Spanish guests. Sancho’s direct acceptance, which hissed just over the goal, was the best chance of equalization after an hour. A quarter of an hour before the end, Manchester launched the final offensive, Varane failed with his header again at the strong Oblak. But United shouldn’t be able to equalize, which means that they are already stuck in the round of 16.
In the duel between Ajax Amsterdam and Benfica Lisbon, the home team pressed the gas pedal from the start after the 2-2 first leg. But goals were a long time coming. In the 77th minute, Darwin Núñez shot the Portuguese in front, completely against the course of the game. One hit was enough for a surprising advance. (law)