Lodi header lifts Atletico Madrid, sends Manchester United crashing out of UEFA Champions League

Atletico Madrid defender Renan Lodi was the hero as his side claimed a 1-0 win over Manchester United away from home at Old Trafford to secure a 2-1 aggregate win and qualify for the last eight of the UEFA Champions League.

Having seen the first leg end 1-1 at the Wanda Metropolitano, both sides prepared for an open game at Old Trafford. Manchester United came into the game on the back of a terrific 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur only days back, with Cristiano Ronaldo hitting a hat-trick for the Red Devils.

Manchester United looked like the better team in the opening exchanges but struggled to create clear cut chances for their attacking players. The absence of Bruno Fernandes from the team meant that the attack was somewhat blunted, and the Manchester United midfield often looked bereft of ideas.

With the first half seemingly coming to an end, Atletico Madrid struck to silence the Manchester United fans inside the Theatre of Dreams in the 41st minute.

Brazilian defender Renan Lodi was allowed to ghost ìnto Manchester United territory, and he planted a header home following a cross from Antoine Griezmann. The left-back headed the ball in at the back post off, beating David De Gea at his near post.

After their goal, Atletico Madrid settled into a low block and invited Manchester United to try and break down their defence, but the home side were unable to create any good goalscoring chances against the resolute Atletico Madrid defense.

Diego Simeone’s men held on until the end of the match to pick up a 2-1 aggregate win over Manchester United and join fellow Spanish side Real Madrid in the last eight of the competition.