Anthony Elanga scored a late goal to rescue a draw for Manchester United away at Atletico Madrid.
The Swede secured a 1-1 draw by scoring with the first big chance United created, after Joao Felix’s early opener.
The draw was a good result to take back to the Old Trafford especially considering Atletico were the stronger team for the first 45 minutes, and they hit the woodwork twice, including once after Elanga’s equaliser.
Elanga was scoring just his fourth ever goal for United, and this was the biggest goal of the lot.
He told BT Sport after the game: “That was my first touch as well. I have dreamt of moments like this, scoring in the Champions League, a big occasion like this against a top European team in Atletico Madrid, it is a dream come true.
“It is only the first half, the first half is gone now, the second half is at Old Trafford. Whenever I get the opportunity for the club I just want to repay the manager, leave nothing in the tank and give 150 per cent every time I step on the pitch. I just do what I can do when I get on the pitch. I always tell myself I want to be the best player on the pitch.”
Elanga’s message on social media was followed by Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, who both wrote to talk up the huge upcoming second leg at Old Trafford.
Neither Ronaldo or Fernandes had great games, but the latter popped up with the defence splitting assist for Elanga’s vital late goal.
United will need to play a lot better against Atletico Madrid in the second leg than the first, and the home crowd at Old Trafford will help.
Ronaldo will hope he gets some opportunities to score in the second leg, having been starved of service all night.
Instead the one chance dropped to Elanga, and thankfully he converted it and made the most of the opportunity.
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