Man Utd out of the Champions League in crushing Atletico defeat

ManchesterUnited are out of the Champions League after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their round of 16 tie.

Despite the Premier League club’s best efforts, it was Renan Lodi’s first-half header that separated the two sides with Atletico progressing to the quarter-finals courtesy of a 2-1 aggregate win.

United had their backs against the wall for much of the first leg at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, ultimately proving lucky to rescue a draw when Anthony Elanga’s goal cancelled out Joao Felix’s opener.

However, the Red Devils seemed far more up for the challenge when it came to the second game at Old Trafford, creating a number of early chances to keep Atletico’s nerves jangling.

In truth, Elanga should have doubled his tally of goals against Los Rojiblancos in the early exchanges, but the face of Jan Oblak ensured that his fierce strike in the penalty area didn’t find the net.

But despite United playing noticeably better than they did in the Spanish capital with Fred, in particular, shining bright, it ultimately wasn’t enough to stop Atletico from breaking the deadlock.

Diego Simeone’s men delivered a crushing hammer blow to United’s chances of reaching the final eight when a shocking piece of marking at the back post allowed Lodi to score.

In what proved to be a fantastic team goal from the visitors, the ball eventually found itself to Lodi at the back post who, unshackled by Diogo Dalot, had all the time in the world to head past David de Gea.