Manchester United suffer, but seek a draw against Atletico in the Champions

Against the second team against which he scored the most goals in his career, Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t even get a shot right this Wednesday (23) in the game between Manchester United and Atletico Madrid.

It was then up to Swede Anthony Elanga to avoid defeat by the English team in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, in the Spanish capital. With a goal by the 19-year-old player, the English team managed to get a 1-1 draw – Portuguese João Félix was the one who scored for the hosts.

The return match will be on March 15, in England. As the goal scored as a visitor is no longer a tiebreaker, the match is open and, in the event of a new tie, the dispute will extend to extra time.

The draw, scored in the 35th minute of the second half, not only relieved the pressure on United, but was also a punishment for Atlético, who had a better performance. After opening the scoring in the 7th minute, when Brazilian Renan Lodi crossed over João Félix’s head, he created at least three more clear chances to score more goals.

In the final minutes, Antoine Griezman, for example, hit a ball on the post, shortly after the England team had managed to equalize.

With the exception of the equalizer, the English team had rare moments of lucidity in the attacking field. Cristiano Ronaldo was so well marked that he didn’t have any shots right, not even when he had the chance to take a free-kick on the edge of the area.

There was great expectation about the Portuguese’s performance against Atletico Madrid, as he has already scored 25 goals against the Spanish team. Only Sevilla saw their nets being leaked more times by the ace, author of 27 goals against the Spanish club. Lucky for him that, this time, Manchester managed to avoid a defeat without a goal from him.

Also this Wednesday, in Portugal, Benfica drew 2-2 with Ajax. The return game will be on March 15, in Holland. Sébastien Haller and Dusan Tadic scored for the Dutch team and Haller himself, but against, and Roman Yaremchuk scored for the home team.

At the celebration, Ukrainian Yaremchuk lifted his Benfica shirt and displayed another shirt with the symbol of his country’s army, as a way of positioning himself amid the political tension between Ukraine and Russia.

Political demonstrations are prohibited at matches organized by UEFA, but the body that organizes European football has not yet commented on the case.

The crisis between the countries, in fact, has already caused a headache for the institution, which is studying to change the headquarters of the Champions League final, scheduled for May 28, in the Russian city of Saint Petersburg.