In the first leg of the Women’s Champions League play-offs, Manchester United defeated Atletico Madrid 3-0 away from home and advanced to the quarter-finals.

Elizabeth Trand’s strike in the third minute put the visitors in control before Melvin Mallard added the second just before the break.

Atletico did not lose their way in the second period and had several chances to claw their way back into the tie, including Wilder Bo Risa hitting the crossbar, but Giulia Chigioti-Olme guided United into next Thursday’s second leg.

United soon broke into the penalty area and got off to a good start when Mallard passed the ball to Trand, who beat several defenders and fired a powerful shot into the top corner.

Two or five minutes later, Ellen Wangerheim headed a Jesse Parker cross into Tran’s net, who fired powerfully, but the assistant referee’s offside flag interrupted the celebrations.

United dominated the early going and Atletico almost held on, with Mallard proving troublesome and firing straight at Lola Gallardo.

The home side eventually got into the game, though, with Fiama Benitez playing a one-two with Sinn Jansen but failing to convert.

United took a two-goal advantage five minutes before the break when Mallard received a through ball from Hinata Miyazawa and brilliantly fired the ball into the bottom corner.

The home side looked for a chance to get back into the game with Amaiur Sarriegi firing home but Phallon Tullis-Joyce equalized.

Atletico continued to knock and were awarded a free-kick when Jed Rivière brought down Rosa Otermin just outside the box and Boa Rissa’s shot was hit against the crossbar by Tulis Joyce.

Despite pressure from Atletico, United made it three points with Mallard passing the ball to Chigioti Orme, who buried the ball behind Gallardo

Jason: Manchester United is like a big family

Manchester United defender Dominic Jansen was interviewed by Disney+:

“It was a pretty solid performance. I thought the second half was a little rough, but we made some good plays in the first half. Overall, we’re happy.

“Overall, how the team performs, that’s the secret sauce. Everyone is happy to be here. It’s like a big family. That’s the strength of Manchester United.”

“We came back after the break and performed well and it showed in the performance.”

On how experience helped in the first Champions League season:

“The experience really helps. We’re a young team. We really want to go forward and create chances, but I think sometimes it’s important to have the ball.

“I thought we showed patience with the ball today. It’s good to see we have players with that experience and we’re showing it on the field.

“I have to be honest, I was a little anxious coming back here. I’m really happy that it turned out the way it did.”