Atlético Madrid 2-0 Manchester United: Barrios strikes early as Yoro red compounds United defeat

Atlético Madrid secured their first UEFA Champions League win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, extending Michael Carrick’s difficult start to the campaign. Pablo Barrios put Atlético ahead inside the opening minute before Manchester United defender Leny Yoro was sent off in the 74th minute. Ademola Lookman then added the second five minutes later to seal the points for Diego Simeone’s side. As it happened Atlético made the perfect start after just 47 seconds. Álex Baena drove forward on the counter before cutting the ball back for Atlético Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios, whose deflected finish found the net. Manchester United responded and created two promising openings through forward Bryan Mbeumo. The Cameroon international first dragged a shot narrowly wide before Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak blocked his close-range effort following a quick exchange with Youri Tielemans. The hosts nearly doubled their advantage in the 27th minute when Atlético Madrid left-back Alejandro Grimaldo curled a free-kick against the crossbar. Johnny Cardoso then thought he had made it 2-0 just before half-time, but VAR ruled the goal out for a handball by Marcos Llorente in the build-up. Atlético continued to threaten after the restart, with Julián Álvarez striking the post from Barrios’ cross. United captain Bruno Fernandes came close at the other end, lifting one effort narrowly wide before later curling a dipping shot against the crossbar. United’s task became considerably harder in the 74th minute. Yoro was initially allowed to continue after challenging Atlético forward Jonathan David, but VAR sent the referee to the monitor and the French defender was shown a red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity. Atlético took advantage of the extra man five minutes later. United goalkeeper Senne Lammens saved David’s low effort, but Atlético Madrid winger Ademola Lookman reacted quickest to convert the rebound from close range. Manchester United substitute Matheus Cunha was denied a late consolation against his former club by Oblak, leaving Atlético to close out a 2-0 victory.