Anthony Elanga’s late equaliser for Manchester United rescued a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday.
Just days after his substitute goal against Leeds United, 19-year-old Elanga once again proved a spark off the bench, scoring just six minutes after coming on to cancel out Joao Felix’s early goal.
Portugal star Felix set to home crowd alight after just seven minutes when he connected on Renan Lodi’s inviting cross, capitalising on Ralf Rangnick’s questionable decision to start Victor Lindelof at right-back.
The Red Devils delivered a poor first-half performance in terms of their intensity and determination, and Atleti should have gone two ahead before half-time when Sime Vrsaljko hit the crossbar.
Ralf Rangnick’s brought on Nemanja Matic, Aaron Wan-Bisska and Elanga for Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford and Lindelof in the second-half.
The moves paid off as Matic solidified the midfield, while Elanga stunned Atleti with the equaliser.
Bruno Fernandes’ leading pass managed to evade Reinildo Mandava, who clumsy mistimed his tackle to allow Elanga through on goal.
The young Swede then tucked a shot past Jan Oblak into the bottom far corner.
Diego Simeone’s side almost restored their lead late on but Antoine Griezmann’s brilliant shot hit the crossbar.
The tie is now evenly poised at 1-1 heading into the second leg on March 15.
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