Played 15, won two, drawn four, lost nine. That is Manchester United’s recent record in the Champions League knock-out games. What it is not, is the form of a club that would place itself among Europe’s elite.
United did not play badly, but Atletico Madrid did a number on them here. They played on the counter, got the goal, dug in for the remaining 49 minutes.
They are so good at it. Jan Oblak, the goalkeeper, was exceptional. So too the defenders guarding him. On the touchline, Diego Simeone kicked every ball — clear mostly.
Presuming Chelsea hold on in Lille tonight, United will be the first English club to fall in the Champions League.