Despite dominating possession Manchester United were dumped out of the Champions League 2-1 on aggregate following a 1-0 home defeat to Atletico Madrid.
Both teams came into this game with mixed results when it came to European competition. The Spaniards have managed only two wins in their last 11 away matches in the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds, whilst their hosts have been beaten in five of the last 12 in the CL at Old Trafford including three of their last four home games at this stage of the UEFA Champions League.
For most of the first half Utd were in the ascendancy yet for all their attacking flair they had only one real chance on 14 minutes when Bruno Fernandes crossed and from point blank range Anthony Elanga fired straight at keeper Jan Oblak.
Diego Dalot dragged an effort wide after his initial shot was blocked then Utd had a shout for a penalty when Bruno was bundled over. Dalot saw a shot easily saved but Atletico gave notice they could be dangerous on the break as David De Gea had to scramble across his goal to parry a long range effort from Rodrigo de Paul.
Utd continued to threaten but it was the visitors who had the ball in the net through Joao Felix but it was ruled offside, then just before the break Atletico took the lead. A quick break ended with a cross to the far post and the unmarked Renan Lodi headed home. There was still time for Utd to almost level but Bruno's swerving shot was pushed behind.
Within a minute of the restart Elanga almost found the equaliser but dragged his shot narrowly wide. Harry Maguire almost played Utd into trouble but De Gea saved well from De Paul. Unsurprisingly Atletico tried to slow the game down and quieten a noisy Old Trafford.
Yet for all Utd's possession they were being frustrated by a well marshalled Atletico defence. At the other end Felix and Antoine Griezmann both had half chances to seal the tie for the Spanish outfit.
With 13 minutes remaining Oblak made a marvellous save to deny a Raphael Varane header. It was all getting tetchy on the pitch as Atletico looked for any opportunity to time waste not helped by some inconsistent refereeing from the Slovakian official.
The home side made five substitutions in the second half but still failed to unlock an obdurate Atletico rearguard who held out for a deserved win with the final whistle being greeted with a thunderous roar from the travelling Spanish supporters.
Full Time
Man Utd: (1) 0
Atletico Madrid: (1) 1
Venue: Old Trafford
Att 73,003
