Manchester United star Fridolina Rolfö scored a stunning first-half goal to help her side get past Atletico Madrid in their second league phase match of the 2025/26 Champions League.
United have now made it two victories in as many games in the competition.
First half
United almost got off to a dream start as they registered a shot at goal after Melvine Malard’s fantastic work, which saw the ball find its way to Ella Toone, but the attacking midfielder could not make sufficient contact to truly test Lola Gallardo in goal.
The early chance seemingly set the tone for United, who started the brighter of the two teams at Centro Deportivo Alcalá de Henares.
United nearly broke the deadlock again when Elisabeth Terland found Rolfö. The summer signing tried to curl the ball into the top corner but could only drag her effort wide.
The hosts’ first chance arrived when Fiamma Benitez fired a shot at Phallon Tullis-Joyce, but skipper Maya Le Tissier was on hand to block it.
United continued pushing and were rewarded in the 24th minute as Rolfo shed first blood. Julia Zigiotti Olme delivered a sublime ball into the danger area. Alexia Fernandez failed to clear her lines convincingly, inviting Rolfö to volley it well past the reach of a helpless Gallardo.
The goal marked Rolfo’s first for United.
Moments later, Malard went close to doubling the advantage after a brilliant exchange with Olme. However, the French star directed her toe-poked attempt wide.
United were then reduced to 10 players after Dominique Janssen was harshly sent off for a challenge on Gio Garbelini. The referee had initially given a yellow card but upon reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor, she upgraded it to a red card.
Dominique Janssen mag net voor het rustsignaal gaan douchen door deze tackle 🟥😬
De UEFA Women’s Champions League is LIVE te zien op @DisneyPlusNL
— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) October 16, 2025
The numerical superiority galvanised Atletico, who attacked with renewed confidence. One of their overtures nearly resulted in a Jayde Riviere own goal but Tullis-Joyce intervened just in time to keep it out.
Fortunately for Marc Skinner’s side, they managed to hold on until the break.
Second half
Skinner made two changes during the interval, bringing on Gabby George and Lisa Naalsund for Toone and Terland.
The two defensive changes strongly hinted that United would be more defensive, and that’s exactly what happened. Atletico upped their intensity, shooting from distance but the visitors had an answer for everything that was thrown at them.
Tullis-Joyce was forced into a great save as she denied Luany what looked like a certain goal. Silvia Lloris’ effort from a corner kick was also just deflected out of target.
🧤 Big save from Tullis-Joyce to deny an Atleti equaliser ❌
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— UEFA Women’s Champions League (@UWCL) October 16, 2025
Skinner made another personnel change. He replaced Rolfö with Leah Galton.
Atletico kept pushing and they tried all sorts of tricks but in the end, United’s defence just proved too stubborn to break down.
United benefited from Fernandez’s dismissal in the 74th minute, which evened up the sides. The red came after he she was booked for a second time for taking out Galton.
To see out the game, Skinner took off Malard and thrust Rachel Williams into the action. Atletico had one or two half-chances to try and restore parity but United prevailed to secure all three points.
Featured image Aitor Alcade via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
