Bryan Mbeumo scored twice to give Manchester United a 2-1 preseason victory over Atlético de Madrid at the Strawberry Arena in Solna, Sweden, in front of around 40,000 spectators.
Arnau Ortiz put Atlético ahead inside five minutes, but two defensive errors after the break proved costly. Jorge Castillo conceded a penalty on Lacey which Mbeumo converted, and a poor pass by Rodrigo Mendoza led to the winner, with Mbeumo the beneficiary again.
Ortiz catches the eye
The 24-year-old Ortiz has quickly become one of the standout performers of Atlético’s preseason. Born in Figueres, he played last season in Poland with Slask Wroclaw after loan spells at Penya Deportiva, Real Murcia, Eldense and Cartagena, having previously been on Girona’s books until 2024.
His opening goal came from a right-footed cross that confused Heaton in the Manchester United goal, with the ball’s trajectory, Carlos Martín’s movement and the uncertain spin on the ball all contributing. It was his second goal of preseason, having also scored against Getafe the previous Wednesday with a well-timed run in behind the defence.
Last season at Atlético Madrileño in Primera RFEF under Fernando Torres, Ortiz scored 23 goals, more than any other player across all 40 clubs in the division. He has never played in Spain’s top flight. His speed, daring and agility make him a consistent threat whether on the left wing, his natural position, or as a centre-forward, as Simeone used him on Saturday.
Second-half mistakes settle it
Jan Oblak had kept Atlético ahead at the break with two strong saves: a reflex stop from a diagonal volley by Luke Shaw that was heading towards his face, and a right-leg block on a deflected free kick from Amad Diallo.
But two errors after the restart handed United control. Castillo, one of several academy players in Atlético’s starting lineup, gave away a penalty in his own area on Lacey. Mbeumo converted in the 53rd minute to level. Oblak had been replaced at the interval by Esquivel.
The winner came in the 74th minute. Mendoza’s imprecise pass out of defence left Mbeumo in possession, and a hurried clearance from Esquivel helped the ball into the net. Hjulmand and Mendoza both struck the post as Atlético searched for an equaliser that never came.
Half a squad still to return
The defeat was Atlético’s first of the summer. Simeone is still waiting on a large group of World Cup players: Julián Álvarez, Alexander Sorloth, Giuliano Simeone, Alejandro Grimaldo, Marcos Llorente, Thiago Almada, Marc Pubill, Juan Musso, Nahuel Molina and Álex Baena are all yet to report. Pablo Barrios and Johnny Cardoso are also out with minor complaints, while Kang-in Lee remains in South Korea.
Despite the depleted squad, Simeone rotated formations throughout, cycling through a 4-4-2, a 5-3-2 and a 5-4-1. Sixteen-year-old defender Jorge Domínguez played across right-back and centre-back. By the hour mark the entire starting lineup had been replaced.
Thomas Lemar, returning from a loan at Girona, came on in the second half and delivered a precise pass for Arnau Solà, whose effort Heaton saved.
