Atletico also reduced to 10 players as Alexia Fernandez dismissed following two second-half yellow cards

Fridolina Rolfo's first Manchester United goal helped them edge past Atletico Madrid in a testing Women's Champions League tie that saw both sides have a player sent off.

The Swede, a summer arrival from Barcelona, volleyed home in the 24th minute to make it two wins from two in the league phase.

Marc Skinner's side made the perfect start to their European campaign last week with a 1-0 win over Valerenga, and they continued that momentum in the Spanish capital.

After Ella Toone and Rolfo spurned early chances, it was the Swedish forward who broke the deadlock. The two-time Champions League winner timed her back-post run perfectly to send a fine strike into the roof of the net.

Minutes later Melvine Malard went close to doubling the lead but, after a neat give and go with Julia Zigiotti Olme, she directed her toe-poked effort wide.

Four minutes before the break, United were reduced to 10 when centre-back Dominique Janssen was dismissed for a mistimed sliding challenge on former Arsenal winger Gio Garbelini.

Referee Eleni Antoniou's initial call of a yellow card was upgraded to a straight red after a lengthy video assistant referee (VAR) check adjudged the Dutch defender to have made significant contact with the ankle of Garbelini, who was taken off on a stretcher.

Atletico immediately set about making their numerical advantage count, forcing United keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce into a smart reaction save.

The hosts peppered the goal with shot after shot without reward before they also had a player sent off in the 74th minute.

Alexia Fernandez received her second yellow card card for scything down visiting substitute Leah Galton as she threatened to run clear.

Having been under significant pressure, United regained control in the closing stages and Malard spurned a golden chance to make it 2-0, curling wide from the edge of the box after a wonderful solo break.

Skinner's side showed their defensive qualities to grind out the victory.

Defeat for Atletico left them on three points from their opening two league phase fixtures.

Atletico Madrid 0-1 Manchester United: Fridolina Rolfo settles tough Women's Champions League tie