“That’s Manchester United”: Women star pinpoints how her side overcame Atletico in impressive CL win

Manchester United Women came out on top against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16 tie. The Red Devils comfortably dispatched the Spanish side 3-0 to take a great advantage back to Manchester next week. Two of the heroes from the night, Melvine Malard and Dominique Janssen, spoke to the club’s official site after the game. Great start United took the lead after just three minutes through Elisabeth Terland, and the players were asked how they were able to handle the pressure of a first knockout stage game so well. Janssen, United’s composed Dutch defender, replied, “I think we started the game really well. The first half was very good. The second half was more of a battle, but in the end, a 3–0 win is a really strong performance, with some great individual displays as well.” United’s standout performer, Melvine Malard, was up next to answer a question. She was asked about how she was able to impact the match so much, scoring a fine goal and creating two others in the match. Malard stated, “we knew there would be space. The pitch wasn’t in great condition, so we needed to stay calm and play freely. I think we did that well, and it worked for us.” Team play Malard was then quizzed about her composure to play in Julia Olme for United’s third goal, and she asserted, “yes, it was very good. We spoke a lot today about playing together, and that’s what we did. That’s Manchester United — we play as a team. We need to continue like that.” Janssen was then asked about the second leg next, but she insisted that the game is not over and they are going to Manchester to win the game and not just settle for qualification. The Dutch international was then asked why she took the captain’s armband from Maya Le Tissier in the second half. She claimed, “it was a clever idea from Maya. We were trying to speak to the referee, and she was getting frustrated. So she gave me the armband and said, “Here, take this.” I tried to talk to the referee. I think it was a very smart idea.” Finally, Malard revealed her delight at the away fans who travelled to Spain and claimed the players love and appreciate them very much. United will next be in action at home to London City Lionesses on Sunday afternoon. Melvine Malard stats vs Atletico Madrid StatisticValue Goals1 Assists2 Total shots3 Shots on target1 Shots blocked1 Touches41 Unsuccessful touches2 Dribbles (successful)4 (2) Was fouled3 Possession lost15 Total carrying distance172.7 m Carries18 Progressive carries3 Total progression105.2 m Progressive carrying distance48.9 m Longest progressive carry22 m Key passes2 Crosses (accurate)4 (2) Accurate passes15/21 (71%) Passes in opposition half (acc.)9/13 (69%) Passes in own half (acc.)6/8 (75%) Def. contributions0 Tackles (won)0 (0) Interceptions0 Clearances0 Blocked shots0 Recoveries6 Ground duels (won)10 (5) Aerial duels (won)4 (3) Fouls2 Dribbled past0 Source: Sofascore Featured image Gualter Fatia via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.