Atletico Madrid 2-0 Man United was the result in Madrid on Tuesday night, and it leaves Michael Carrick’s side five games without a win in all competitions. Pablo Barrios scored inside the first minute, Leny Yoro was sent off after a VAR review in the second half, and Ademola Lookman sealed the win late on. Both clubs now have three points from two Champions League matches.
Atletico Madrid 2-0 Man United: Key Facts
- Competition: UEFA Champions League, league phase, Matchday 2
- Date: Tuesday 13 October 2026, 10:00pm EAT kick-off
- Venue: Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid
- Referee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
- Scorers: Barrios (1′), Lookman (79′)
- Red card: Leny Yoro (Man United), around 75 minutes
- Points after two games: Atletico 3, Man United 3
The Worst Possible Start
United’s plan was undone almost before it began. Inside the opening minute, Alex Baena set up Barrios and his shot found its way past Ayden Heaven and over the line. It was the kind of start that has summed up United’s recent weeks.
Atletico should have added to their lead before the break. Alejandro Grimaldo struck the frame of the goal with a free kick, and Johnny Cardoso thought he had made it 2-0 just before half-time, only for VAR to rule the goal out because of a Marcos Llorente handball in the build-up.
United’s Missed Chances
To their credit, United did create opportunities. Bryan Mbeumo dragged an early effort wide and later had a shot saved by Jan Oblak, Bruno Fernandes hit the woodwork, and Matheus Cunha was denied by Oblak late on. On another night, United could have taken something from the game.
Atletico also hit the post early in the second half through Julian Alvarez, so the hosts could easily have won by more.
Yoro Red Card and Lookman Finish
The key moment came around the 75th minute. Yoro brought down Jonathan David as he ran through on goal, and after the referee was sent to the pitchside monitor, the decision was upgraded to a red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity.
Down to ten men, United could not find a way back. On 79 minutes, Senne Lammens saved from David but Lookman pounced on the rebound to make it 2-0.
Carrick made it clear after the game that he strongly disagreed with the red card, saying he did not believe it was a sending-off and that it had a big impact on the match. He also admitted his side had to start taking their chances and break their winless run.
Martinez Speaks Out
The biggest talking point after the game came from Lisandro Martinez. In a post-match television interview, the Argentine defender criticised the club’s hierarchy and said, “I expect more from our technical director,” a direct reference to Jason Wilcox. He added that changing managers is not the only answer and said Carrick is doing his best.
Asked about those comments, Carrick said he had not seen the interview and that straight after a game was not the right time to discuss it. Expect this story to run for several days.
What It Means for Man United
United won 4-0 at home to Sabah on Matchday 1, so three points from two games keeps them in a reasonable position in the 36-team league phase. Domestically, though, the pressure is building. Their last outing was a 1-1 draw with ten-man Tottenham at Old Trafford, where Dominic Solanke equalised in stoppage time after Mbeumo had put United ahead. Read our full Man Utd 1-1 Tottenham report and our Atletico Madrid vs Man United preview.
Atletico, who lost 2-1 at Liverpool on Matchday 1, also move to three points. They travel to Stuttgart on Tuesday 20 October.
Man United’s Next Fixtures
- Premier League: Leeds United vs Man United, Sunday 18 October, Elland Road
- Champions League: Como vs Man United, Wednesday 21 October
Get our early betting angles on the Leeds vs Man United prediction and the Como vs Man United prediction. Official club news is on the Manchester United website.
FAQ
Who scored in Atletico Madrid vs Man United?
Pablo Barrios scored in the first minute and Ademola Lookman added a second on 79 minutes as Atletico won 2-0.
Why was Leny Yoro sent off against Atletico Madrid?
Yoro was shown a red card after a VAR review for fouling Jonathan David and denying him a clear goalscoring opportunity.
How many games have Man United gone without a win?
The defeat in Madrid means Man United are five games without a win in all competitions.
Who do Man United play next?
United visit Leeds in the Premier League on Sunday 18 October, then travel to Como in the Champions League on Wednesday 21 October.
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