WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Man City concede late in Atletico Madrid draw

Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw at the Academy Stadium after conceding late to Atletico Madrid in this first leg last 16 tie.

City have seven wins from seven in all competitions this campaign but this clash with Atletico Madrid would be their sternest test so far.

And so it seemed in the opening minutes when Gemma Bonner failed to deal with the pace of Ludmila Da Silva and was booked for the resulting foul.

From the free kick Elena Linari brought a parried save from Ellie Roebuck which was then blasted against the crossbar as the City defence struggled to clear. As the ball fell into the six yard box former City player Toni Duggan fired over.

For the next few minutes the Spaniards looked to have to upper hand but on 13 minutes it was the hosts who took the lead. Keira Walsh threaded a pass through to Janine Beckie which seemed to take a slight deflection but Beckie was in the right place to shoot high into the net.

City gained in confidence but eventually Atletico came into the game but with both defences on top that early flurry of excitement was as good as it got for the rest of the half.

The home side dominated initially as the second period began but it was Atletico who almost levelled but Roebuck made a smart save from Da Silva.

Beckie almost made Atletico keeper Sari Van Veenendaal pay for a poor clearance but shot straight at the Spanish stopper.

Then just as it seemed City would take a narrow lead into the second leg the Spanish outfit struck with 10 minutes remaining with Veronica Charlyn Corral taking advantage of some slack marking.

The two clubs met in Round 32 last season with Atletico emerging victorious 3-1 on aggregate and City will have to be at their best in the return leg if they are to progress into the Champions League quarter finals.

Full Time

Man City: 1 (Beckie 13)

Atletico Madrid: 1 ( Charlyn Corral 80)

Att:

Venue: Academy Stadium