Carlos Baleba makes Champions League debut as Manchester United lose to Atletico de Madrid

Carlos Baleba made his first official start for Manchester United and appeared in the Champions League for the first time as they were beaten 2-0 by Atletico de Madrid at the Metropolitano.

The 22-year-old Cameroon international was named in the starting XI by Michael Carrick after making his Premier League debut against Tottenham a few days earlier.

Although Manchester United left Madrid without a positive result, Baleba was active in midfield before being substituted in the 66th minute.

Baleba delivers flawless passing display

Baleba completed all 17 of his attempted passes, giving him a 100% passing accuracy rate during his time on the pitch.

He also registered one shot on target and won his only attempted tackle. The midfielder made one clearance, drew one foul and committed three fouls before being replaced in the second half.

His first appearance in Europe’s leading club competition marked another significant step in his early Manchester United career, despite the difficult result for the English side.

Manchester United punished in Madrid

After Baleba’s departure, he watched from the bench as the match moved further in Atletico de Madrid’s favour.

Manchester United were handicapped by Leny Yoro’s dismissal and subsequently conceded a second goal. They were unable to recover against an Atletico side that made the most of its opportunities.

The defeat ended an evening in which Baleba’s individual performance offered some encouragement, but Manchester United could not prevent the Spanish team from taking control of the contest.

A significant milestone for Baleba

Baleba’s first European start represents an important milestone for the midfielder, who remains contracted to Manchester United until 2031.

He is valued at 65 million euros by Transfermarkt and will now have the chance to build on his first Champions League experience as he continues his development at Old Trafford.

Manchester United’s next fixture will come in the seventh round of the English championship, when they face Leeds.