Manchester United put one foot into the Champions League quarterfinals after they earned a comprehensive 3-0 victory away at Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the playoff round.

Elisabeth Terland's third-minute effort put the visitors in control before Melvine Malard struck a second before the break.

Atlético did not die wondering in the second period and had several chances to get themselves back in the tie, including Vilde Boe Risa hitting the crossbar, but Julia Zigiotti Olme put United in command heading into the second leg next Thursday.

United were quick out the blocks and had the opener to show for it when Malard sent a pass to Terland who had the beating of a couple of defenders and arrowed a powerful shot into the top corner.

And it could have been two five minutes later when Ellen Wangerheim headed Jess Park's cross into the path of Terland who finished emphatically but the assistant referee's offside flag cut celebrations short.

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United were dominating the early proceedings and Atlético were just about hanging on as Malard proved troublesome and sent an effort straight at Lola Gallardo.

The hosts eventually settled into the contest though and Fiamma Benitez picked off a one-two with Synne Jensen but was unable to curl her effort on target.

Manchester United got their two-goal advantage five minutes before the break, Malard latched on to a through ball by Hinata Miyazawa and bent a lovely finish into the bottom corner.

The home side looked for a way back into the contest and Amaiur Sarriegi drilled one towards goal but Phallon Tullis-Joyce was equal to it.

Atletico continued to knock on the door and had a free kick when Jayde Riviere brought down Rosa Otermín outside the box and Vilde Boa Risa's free-kick was tipped onto the bar by Tullis-Joyce.

Despite the Atlético pressure, United made it three when Malard slipped through to Zigiotti Olme who buried it beyond Gallardo.