Manchester United survived a challenging match against Atlético Madrid, securing a 1-0 victory in their Women's Champions League campaign. The hard-fought win at the Centro Deportivo Alcalá de Henares saw them maintain a perfect start in their debut Champions League season.

Fridolina Rolfö, back in the starting lineup, proved to be the difference-maker, scoring her first goal for Manchester United in the 24th minute. Julia Zigiotti Olme swung in a cross from the right, and Rolfö expertly volleyed the ball home at the back post. The Swedish international's goal showcased her experience, having previously won the Champions League twice with Barcelona.

Despite Manchester United's positive start, the game took a dramatic turn in the 37th minute when Dominique Janssen was shown a red card. Initially receiving a yellow card for a sliding tackle on Gio Garbelini just outside the box, the decision was reviewed by Greek referee Eleni Antoniou via VAR. The review led to the yellow card being overturned and a straight red card issued, with Garbelini stretchered off the field due to the injury.

Reduced to 10 players, Manchester United had to dig deep to protect their lead. Atlético Madrid started the second half strongly, with Synne Jensen sending a shot wide and Phallon Tullis-Joyce, United's goalkeeper, tipping a powerful strike from Luany over the bar. Tullis-Joyce's performance proved crucial in maintaining United's advantage, denying Atlético's attempts to equalize.

Atlético Madrid's hopes of capitalizing on their numerical advantage were dashed in the 74th minute when Alexia Fernández received a second yellow card for a foul on United substitute Leah Galton, leveling the playing field with both teams down to 10 players.

Late in the game, Melvine Malard had an opportunity to extend United's lead, but her low shot went just wide. Ultimately, Rolfö's first-half goal proved sufficient to secure the win for Manchester United.

Manchester United's starting lineup featured Tullis-Joyce in goal; Sandberg, Le Tissier, Janssen, and Riviére in defense; Toone, Zigiotti Olme, and Miyazawa in midfield; and Rolfö, Malard, and Terland in attack. The victory demonstrated Manchester United's resilience and tactical flexibility, overcoming the setback of Janssen's dismissal to secure a vital win in their Champions League journey.