Manchester United Escape With Draw After Anthony Elanga Pegs Back Atletico Madrid

Anthony Elanga's late goal rescued Manchester United as they got away with a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 against Atletico Madrid.

Manchester United were spared a damaging and deserved defeat by Atletico Madrid on Wednesday as Anthony Elanga's late goal rescued them a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Champions League last 16. Atletico outplayed a sluggish United for the majority of the match at the Wanda Metropolitano and might have considered Joao Felix's early goal scant reward heading into the second leg at Old Trafford in three weeks' time.

But rather than extend their advantage, Atletico squandered it, Elanga racing onto a Bruno Fernandes through ball and applying a cool finish with 10 minutes left to earn United a draw that felt like a victory.

United boss Ralf Rangnick was asked in his press conference what he told the United players at half-time.

"I told them this is not enough," he said.

"We have to have more energy. It's not about game-plans or tactics. It's about conviction. It's about belief. This is not enough. This is the Champions League."