Anthony Elanga punishes Atlético with late equaliser for Manchester United

Where did that come from? Manchester United had laboured sorely, the errors and the looseness coming from a variety of players. Atlético Madrid appeared happy and comfortable with a 1-0 scoreline and it was easy to think that this was set to be another Champions League misstep from United, who have won only two knockout ties since their run to the final in 2011.

Ralf Rangnick’s players had created next to nothing, although they were better in the second half after a torrid opening period when João Félix’s lovely header had been scant reward for Atlético. And then it happened.

Rangnick had introduced the 19-year-old winger, Anthony Elanga, in the 75th minute and, with pretty much his first involvement, he scored the goal that turned this tie upside down, breathing hope back into his team.

It was Bruno Fernandes who picked the pass – finally, after a hugely difficult evening – and, when Reinildo Mandava, the Atlético central defender, gambled and lost, stretching in for the interception and missing the ball, Elanga was away. The finish was nerveless. After Premier League goals against Brentford and Leeds, this was the moment when Elanga announced himself on the most glittering stage.

There would still be time for Antoine Griezmann, on as a substitute, to rattle the crossbar but this had turned into United’s night. And that of Elanga.

It was an evening for cojones, to quote Fred, the United midfielder, and one of those evenings that shuddered with significance at every turn. The tone was set by the raucous welcome that the home support afforded the Atlético team bus; flares lit, songs belted out. “Vuela Atleti” read the slogan on the massive tifo that was unfurled before kick-off. Fly Atleti.

Maybe it was the rarity value