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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Daniel Murphy

Anthony Elanga reacts to 'dream' goal in Manchester United draw vs Atletico Madrid

Anthony Elanga says his late equaliser against Atletico Madrid was a 'dream come true.'

Manchester United managed to come away from the Spanish capital with a draw in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie despite being dreadful for 80 minutes.

The hosts took the lead early on through Joao Felix's excellent diving header and had ample opportunities to put the game to bed as they contained United with ease.

However, Ralf Rangnick's second-half substitutions began to change the complexion of the match and Elanga was chief among them.

The Swedish teenager came on and within five minutes he scored with United's first shot on target as he was played through by Bruno Fernandes and calmly slotted past Jan Oblak.

It's been a great week for Elanga, who also scored against Leeds on Sunday, and he admits the goal was a moment he has dreamt of.

"I think that was my first touch as well. I've dreamt of moments like this, scoring in the Champions League," he told BT Sport.

"Obviously a big occasion like this, against a big European team like Atletico Madrid, it's a dream come true.

"It's only the first half, the first half is gone now and the second half is at Old Trafford in a couple of weeks and we have to be ready for that.

On his finish, he added: "Like I told you last time we spoke at Brentford, I told you how calm and cool I am and whenever I get an opportunity for the club I just want to repay the favour for the manager.

"And just leave nothing on the tank and give 150 per cent everytime I step on that pitch and just enjoy it."

Elanga believes it was the interim manager's second-half changes that helped United get back into the match.

"You've got to say in the game," he said. "Anything can happen it's the Champions League, it's the best club competition in the world. Anything could happen.

"You've got to be ready for the 90 minutes, we didn't play our best football in the first half but then in the second half with the substations that we made I think we stepped up a bit."

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