Manchester United Secure 3-0 First-Leg Lead Over Atletico Madrid in UWCL Play-Off

Man Utd women crush Atletico 3-0 away – quarter-final vs Bayern in sight

Manchester United produced a dominant 3-0 away win over Atletico Madrid in the UWCL knockout play-off first leg, with goals from Terland, Malard and Zigiotti Olme. Huge advantage ahead of the return leg and potential Bayern Munich quarter-final.

“That was a really solid performance. The second half was a bit rough...”

Manchester United Women's team secured a commanding 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Women's Champions League play-off, putting them in a great position to reach the quarter-finals. Elisabeth Terland scored the opening goal in just three minutes, collecting a pass from Melvine Malard and firing it past Lola Gallardo into the top corner.

🔴 A strong first-leg display from United in Madrid 👊#UWCL pic.twitter.com/lr6RgikDAO

— UEFA Women’s Champions League (@UWCL) February 12, 2026

Malard continued to shine, scoring the second goal before half-time and setting up Julia Zigiotti Olme for the third goal in the 81st minute. Despite Atletico's pressure, United's defense held strong, with Phallon Tullis-Joyce making crucial saves.

The win sets up a thrilling second leg at Old Trafford next Thursday, with the winner facing Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals. 

The Norwegian striker had a goal ruled out for offside just five minutes later. France's Malard took matters into her own hands, scoring with a beautiful bent shot past Gallardo, five minutes before half-time.

Read Also: UWCL: Arsenal Women Thrash OH Leuven 4-0 in Champions League Playoff

Atletico fought back in the second half with Vilde Boa Risa's curling free-kick, but Phallon Tullis-Joyce made a brilliant save, tipping it onto the crossbar.

Synne Jensen and Rosa Otermin also had chances, but Phallon Tullis-Joyce was solid. United sealed the win in the 81st minute, with Melvine Malard setting up Julia Zigiotti Olme for the third goal.

“That was a really solid performance. The second half was a bit rough but the first half had some good plays so overall we can be happy,” United defender Dominique Janssen told Disney+.

Juventus looked like they had the game wrapped up at Wolfsburg, leading 2-0 through Ana Capeta and Amalie Vangsgaard's goals. But Wolfsburg staged a late comeback, with Janina Minge scoring from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute.

The game ended with a late scare for Juventus, as defender Sarai Linder scored in the 95th minute to level the score at 2-2.

Late drama in Wolfsburg as Linder nets a stunning last-gasp equaliser for the hosts 😲#UWCL pic.twitter.com/1T6qbxNOqM

— UEFA Women’s Champions League (@UWCL) February 12, 2026

The second leg in Turin next week will decide who faces Lyon in the quarter-finals.

“To be honest, it feels like a win to get the draw in the last minute,” said Wolfsburg coach Stephan Lerch.

“I think we deserved the draw. We had good moments in the match and the two goals we scored to come back show a great mentality. I'm very proud of the team.”