Griezmann and Suarez initially on the bench
The first half clearly belonged to the hosts, with Antoine Griezman and Luis Suárez starting on the bench. For the prominent duo, Atlético coach Diego Simeone let Joao Felix and Angel Correra storm somewhat surprisingly. But rightly so, as it turned out. João Félix scored his first Champions League goal of the season after just seven minutes. After a top cross from Renan Lodi from the left, the Portuguese stretched himself out and made it 1-0 with a perfect header into the far corner – unstoppable for goalkeeper de Gea.
The leadership gave the Colchoneros a lot of boost. Atlético often shifted the game to the wings. Always in action: the strong Renan Lodi, who started for the suspended Yannik Carrasco. The Spaniards kept up the pace, and you could tell they were enjoying themselves in the Estadio Metropolitano.
Ronaldo scolds, Sancho remains pale
And Ralf Rangnick’s team? She seemed sluggish and acted far too slowly when she had possession of the ball. Cristiano Ronaldo got almost no balls and constantly scolded. There was also nothing to see from the last strong ex-Dortmunder Jadon Sancho in the dress of the Red Devils. In addition, the recently promised coverage of Rangnick’s team around Raphael Varane was not very secure.
Lucky for Manchester just before half-time, when Sime Vrsaljko’s header, deflected by Victor Lindelöf, rebounded off the underside of the bar. Again Lodi had crossed from the left. The English were well served with the 0:1 at the break.