Atletico Madrid 2-1 Manchester City (3-2 agg): WSL club knocked out of Champions League

Manchester City saw their Women’s Champions League hopes ended by a 2-1 defeat at Atletico Madrid.

The first leg had finished in a 1-1 draw, leaving City needing an away goal at the Wanda Sports Centre to stand any chance of progression to the quarter-finals.

England forward Ellen White, making her first start since a knee problem in pre-season, dragged an early chance wide following a corner, with teenager Lauren Hemp then sending an effort off target.

Spanish champions Atletico – who also knocked City out of Europe last season – went close with a header from Ludmila Da Silva before a free-kick from midfielder Virginia Torrecilla was wide.

The hosts eventually broke the deadlock five minutes before half-time when City captain Steph Houghton diverted an effort from Brazilian Da Silva into the net.

City made a strong start to the second half, with a last-ditch challenge preventing White from getting a shot away when in a good position.

Atletico players celebrate Angela Sosa’s goal in the second half at Wanda Sports Centre

The England forward was denied again on the hour by a smart save from Dutch goalkeeper Sari Van Veenendaal, before she was replaced by Janine Beckie.

Atletico, though, soon regrouped, with defender Carmen Menayo putting the ball wide from a corner.

Charlyn Corral saw her shot blocked by goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck before captain Angela Sosa added a second Atletico goal in the 68th minute, knocking the ball in after the City stopper had made a fine initial save.

Beckie saw a shot come back off the woodwork before, with two minutes left, City grabbed a late consolation when substitute Pauline Bremer swept in from six yards.