Spanish La Liga side Atletico Madrid were denied what would have been a crucial victory in their round of 16 fixture with Manchester United after youngster Anthony Elanga scored late in the second half to secure a 1-1 draw for Manchester United at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium.

Atletico Madrid, who have only won three of their last seven games, started the game impressively threatening Manchester United in the early exchanges of the game before finally taking the lead in the first half through Joao Felix, who poked home Renan Lodi’s cross.

There wasn’t much to report from the game afterward other than Atletico Madrid coming close to making it 2-0 in the first half only for a cross to deflect off the post saving Manchester United blushes from conceding a second goal.

Meanwhile, on an evening when a lot of United players were struggling, Anthony Elanga, a Manchester United academy graduate, stepped up as a substitute to get the goal that tied the game.

He was assisted by Bruno Fernandes, who became the first player in Champions League history to assist in six consecutive appearances while playing for an English club since David Beckham in 1999, according to Opta.

The teenager who is Manchester United’s 5th youngest goal scorer in the UEFA Champions League was elated to have made such a big impact with his first touch of the game.

“Thnk it was my first touch as well, have dreamt of moments like this, scoring in the Champions League against top European teams like Atletico Madrid, a dream come true. It is only the first half, we have to be ready for the second half at Old Trafford. Whenever I am given an opportunity, I want to repay the manager and give 150% every time I step onto the pitch. I just do what I can do, and I want to be the best player on the pitch.” Elanga said.

Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu