Manchester United are out of the Champions League after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their round of 16 tie.Despite the Premier League club's best efforts, it was Renan Lodi's first-half header that separated the two sides with Atletico progressing to the quarter-finals courtesy of a 2-1 aggregate win.United had their backs against the wall for much of the first leg at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, ultimately proving lucky to rescue a draw when Anthony Elanga's goal cancelled out Joao Felix's opener.
A night of frustration at Old Trafford
However, the Red Devils seemed far more up for the challenge when it came to the second game at Old Trafford, creating a number of early chances to keep Atletico's nerves jangling.
In truth, Elanga should have doubled his tally of goals against Los Rojiblancos in the early exchanges, but the face of Jan Oblak ensured that his fierce strike in the penalty area didn't find the net.
But despite United playing noticeably better than they did in the Spanish capital with Fred, in particular, shining bright, it ultimately wasn't enough to stop Atletico from breaking the deadlock.
Renan Lodi scores the deciding goal
Diego Simeone's men delivered a crushing hammer blow to United's chances of reaching the final eight when a shocking piece of marking at the back post allowed Lodi to score.
In what proved to be a fantastic team goal from the visitors, the ball eventually found itself to Lodi at the back post who, unshackled by Diogo Dalot, had all the time in the world to head past David de Gea.
In one fell swoop, the pressure immediately cranked up on United with their frustrations in the aftermath of Atletico's goal, featuring some verbals from Cristiano Ronaldo, proving visible to the world.
United fail to find an equaliser
Nevertheless, whatever Ralf Rangnick said to his United side at the interval didn't seem too inspire the immediate response that the Old Trafford faithful would have hoped for.
In fact, it wasn't until the final 15 minutes of the game that the Red Devils produced a chance that got the fans' blood pumping with Raphael Varane forcing a superb save from Oblak.
And as the clock ticked away in Manchester, Rangnick threw the kitchen sink at trying to rescue an extra 30 minutes for United by bringing on Juan Mata and sending De Gea up for the final corner.
Soccer Football - Champions League - Round of 16 Second Leg - Manchester United v Atletico Madrid - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - March 15, 2022 Manchester United's David de Gea reacts REUTERS/Phil Noble
However, in the end, the hosts simply didn't have an answer for Atletico as they once again slumped to a trophyless campaign having also been knocked out of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Now, the only hope that United have of salvaging their season is by trying to re-qualify for the competition that they've just been eliminated from...