Atletico Madrid Dominates Manchester United 2-0, Extending Red Devils' Winless Streak

Atletico Madrid secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Manchester United in the Champions League on Tuesday, intensifying the pressure on Red Devils coach Michael Carrick. The Spanish side took an early lead through Pablo Barrios in the first minute, and after Leny Yoro received a red card in the 74th minute, Ademola Lookman sealed the win for the hosts in Madrid. This defeat adds to Manchester United's woes, as they are experiencing their worst domestic start in 40 years and are now winless in five games across all competitions.

Carrick opted to give Carlos Baleba his first start since his summer arrival from Brighton, while captain Bruno Fernandes was deployed on the right wing. Atletico Madrid were without their captain Koke, following the passing of his mother. Coach Diego Simeone, meanwhile, selected Julian Alvarez from the outset for the first time this season at the Metropolitano stadium, despite Alvarez's earlier attempts to force a departure in the summer. Before kick-off, Atletico fans displayed a banner urging supporters to "Defend what we love.".

The Rojiblancos found the net just 50 seconds into the match. Alex Baena penetrated United's defense and delivered a cross for Barrios, whose shot found the back of the net despite Ayden Heaven's efforts. Bryan Mbuemo had an opportunity to equalize for the visitors, but his effort after nudging the ball through Cristian Romero's legs went just wide. Alejandro Grimaldo came close to doubling Atletico's lead with a free-kick that struck the junction of the post and crossbar.

Atletico thought they had scored a second goal before halftime when Johnny Cardoso finished neatly from the edge of the box. However, the goal was disallowed after a VAR review determined that Marcos Llorente had handled the ball during the build-up. Alvarez, who is yet to score this season for Atletico, hit the post early in the second half. Manchester United responded, with Fernandes's lob narrowly missing the target before the Portuguese playmaker struck the crossbar from a corner routine on the left side of the box.

The three-time European champions faced a setback when defender Yoro was controversially sent off following a VAR review for a challenge on Canada striker Jonathan David, who was deemed to be the last man. This opened the door for Atletico to extend their lead. Although David was denied by goalkeeper Senne Lammens, Ademola Lookman, the London-born Nigeria international, was on hand to convert the rebound in the 79th minute.

Carrick substituted Fernandes, seemingly with an eye on the upcoming weekend fixture against rivals Leeds in the English top flight, where significant improvement is required. In the closing stages, Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak made a save from United substitute Matheus Cunha, but there was no way back for Manchester United. Diego Simeone's side secured their first points in the group stage after an opening defeat against Liverpool.