Man Utd take big step towards WCL last eight

Manchester United fought off a determined Atletico Madrid to chalk up an invaluable 3-0 win in the first leg of their Women's Champions League playoff in the Spanish capital to take them a step closer to a quarterfinal tie against Bayern Munich.

Elisabeth Terland put United ahead after just three minutes when she collected a pass from Melvine Malard just inside the penalty area and fired past Lola Gallardo into the top corner.

The Norwegian striker had the ball in the back of the net again five minutes later but this time it was ruled out for offside.

Five minutes before half-time, France attacker Malard turned from provider to scorer as she ran on to a through ball from Hinata Miyazawa and bent the shot past Gallardo.

Atletico responded in the second half with Vilde Boa Risa's curling free-kick forcing a brilliant save from Phallon Tullis-Joyce who tipped it on to the crossbar.

Synne Jensen and Rosa Otermin were also denied by the United stopper but with Atletico knocking on the door the visitors put the game to bed in the 81st minute when Malard slipped the ball to Julia Zigiotti Olme who ensured United would have an excellent cushion going into next week's second leg in Manchester.

"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 appeared to be in control of their game at Wolfsburg when Ana Capeta and Amalie Vangsgaard put them 2-0 up after 61 minutes.

In a thrilling close to the game, however, Wolfsburg pulled one back in the 82nd minute when Janina Minge stroked home from the penalty spot.

Five minutes into added time, defender Sarai Linder crashed the ball into the net from the edge of the penalty area to make it 2-2.

The second leg in Turin next week will determine who faces Lyon in the last eight.

"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."