Alex Scott and Fara Williams Lead Disney+ Coverage of Manchester United Women vs Atlético Madrid Champions League Knockout

Disney+ Europe will broadcast Manchester United Women's UEFA Women's Champions League second-leg play-off clash against Atlético Madrid on Thursday evening, with Alex Scott presenting and Fara Williams providing expert punditry. The match kicks off at 20:00 GMT from the Progress With Unity Stadium in Leigh, with the Reds holding a commanding 3-0 advantage from last week's first-leg victory in Spain. Disney+ UK and Ireland will also carry the fixture, offering British and Irish viewers comprehensive coverage of what promises to be a dominant display from Marc Skinner's side as they bid to secure their passage to the quarter-finals against German champions Bayern Munich.

Alex Scott, the presenter helming coverage across both Disney+ territories, brings considerable credibility to the broadcast. Born in 1984, Scott has established herself as one of British football's most recognisable voices following a distinguished playing career. The former Arsenal and England defender represented her country with distinction, earning 140 caps and competing in multiple major tournaments. Since transitioning to broadcasting, she has become a fixture on major sporting events, known for her incisive analysis and ability to communicate complex tactical concepts to mainstream audiences. Her appointment to lead coverage of this European knockout tie underscores the significance of Manchester United's campaign in the continental competition.

Alongside Scott in the punditry role is Fara Williams, another figure who commands respect within women's football circles. Williams enjoyed an illustrious international career with the Lionesses, establishing herself as one of England's most capped players and a key figure during their successful Euro 2022 campaign. Her midfield expertise and understanding of the tactical nuances required at the highest level make her an ideal analyst for a Champions League fixture of this magnitude. Williams' presence ensures viewers receive informed commentary grounded in practical experience at elite level, complementing Scott's presentational duties throughout the evening's broadcast.

Manchester United enter the second leg with a position of considerable strength. Elisabeth Terland opened the scoring after just three minutes in Madrid, setting the tone for a clinical performance. Melvine Malard doubled the advantage before half-time with a well-taken finish, and Julia Zigiotti added the third in the 81st minute to complete a dominant display. The Norwegian forward Terland had actually struck twice within the opening eight minutes, with her second effort ruled out for offside, but United's superiority throughout the first 90 minutes was never seriously threatened. Phallon Tullis-Joyce, the United goalkeeper, made a crucial save to deny a free-kick from former Red Vilde Boe Risa, preserving the clean sheet with a full-stretch tip onto the crossbar.

The reward for progression is a mouth-watering quarter-final against Bayern Munich, the competition's eight-time winners and perennial contenders for continental glory. United's route through their European knockout debut—and this represents the club's inaugural foray into the UEFA Women's Champions League knockout stages—has been impressive, particularly given the magnitude of opponents they have already encountered. The Bavarians represent a significant step up in pedigree, but Skinner's team have demonstrated they possess the quality and mentality to compete at this elevated level.

Team news ahead of the second leg suggests United will have near-full availability, with manager Marc Skinner hopeful that Jayde Riviere will recover from the issue that saw her withdrawn during Sunday's 2-1 WSL victory over London City Lionesses. Leah Galton and Ella Toone remain sidelined with back and hip problems respectively, whilst Celin Bizet Donnum is unavailable due to pregnancy. For Atlético Madrid, the outlook is considerably bleaker. Defender Silvia Lloris will miss the second leg after suffering an ACL rupture whilst attempting to block Malard's goal, undergoing successful surgery subsequently. Winger Gio Garbelini may feature despite recovering from an October leg fracture, and the experienced midfielder Boe Risa, who spent two years at United earlier in her career, could feature again despite the demanding nature of the previous encounter.

Manchester United's pathway through this knockout competition has been built on impressive defensive organisation allied with clinical finishing. The 3-0 scoreline in Madrid flatters neither team in isolation—United were thoroughly deserving of their advantage—and Thursday's second leg at the Progress With Unity Stadium presents an opportunity for the home side to advance with another commanding performance. The atmosphere of a home Champions League fixture, bolstered by the quality of Scott and Williams' commentary for Disney+ viewers, should create an electric atmosphere as the Reds look to cement their place among Europe's elite eight.

The significance of this fixture extends beyond the immediate sporting context. Women's football has experienced considerable momentum in recent years, with investment, media coverage and attendances all increasing substantially. Disney+'s commitment to broadcasting Champions League matches across European territories reflects this growth trajectory, providing widespread accessibility to premium continental football. Scott and Williams, both products of England's rich football heritage and experiences at the highest level of international competition, represent the calibre of talent now dedicated to analysis and presentation within the women's game.

For those tuning in via Disney+ UK and Ireland or Disney+ Europe, the broadcast represents an opportunity to witness elite European women's football at a critical juncture. Manchester United's progress in this competition has already created history for the club; their progression to the quarter-finals would represent a significant achievement in their maiden Champions League campaign, and victory on Thursday evening appears highly likely given their three-goal advantage and superior squad depth.

Article generated: 19 February 2026, 07:56 GMT