Simeone hails Barrios first-minute strike as Atletico beat 10-man Manchester United 2-0 in Champions League

Atletico make perfect start against Manchester United

Atletico Madrid earned a 2-0 Champions League win over Manchester United, a victory built on Pablo Barrios’ first-minute goal as Diego Simeone was thrilled his midfielder got the goal he needed to boost his confidence.

Having lost their opening match in the competition 2-1 to Liverpool, Atletico got their first win on the board this campaign. Barrios broke the deadlock with his first goal of the season after just 47 seconds, netting Atletico’s second-earliest Champions League goal, to get them off to a dream start.

Atletico then hit the woodwork on either side of half-time and Johnny Cardoso’s disallowed effort due to a handball by Marcos Llorente in the build-up. After Leny Yoro was sent off for denying Jonathan David a goalscoring opportunity, it took Ademola Lookman just five more minutes to add Atletico’s second and effectively secure all three points.

Simeone reacts to Barrios breakthrough

"A good transition in attack," Simeone told Movistar when asked about the first goal. "Barrios needed a goal to connect with what he needs to continue growing, which is to find the back of the net. We're happy about it."

He added about the second scorer: "He's a very important player; he has very good stats, he scores goals, he's good in one-on-one situations… He's not at that point where that comes through, but he's rediscovered his scoring touch; he had the instinct to follow up the play, and the rebound went his way. We got a win we needed."

Win dedicated to Koke

Since the start of 2023-24, only Arsenal and Bayern Munich (both 16) have won more home games in the Champions League than Atletico (P19 – W15 D1 L3). The hosts had to play this one without captain Koke, who missed the clash following the death of his mother on Tuesday.

Barrios dedicated his goal to Koke, saying he wanted to make sure the team showed their support on a difficult day.

"First and foremost, besides the team, it was very important for Koke and his whole family; it's a very tough day for them. This victory is for them," he said. "It has been very hard news for everyone, and I said that if I scored, I would do that, and it just came out naturally. The early goal helped us control the game. We're very happy with the win."