UEFA Champions League: Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United live
Preview
Spanish giants Atletico Madrid welcome Manchester United to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid for the Champions League first leg of the 1/8th round. The match kicks off at 8:00 pm(GMT) with Romanian referee Ovidiu Hategan in charge as center referee. Meeting for the first time in competitive games, a win for either side will be important ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford.
Atletico Madrid finished second behind Liverpool in group B of this year’s Champions League with two wins, one draw and three losses. Los Colchoneros have struggled to win games this season, winning three and losing two of their last five competitive games. Their last game was a 3-0 away win against Osasuna in the league, with Joao Felix, Luis Suarez and Angel Correa finding the back of the net for Diego Simeone’s men.
Manchester United finished top of group F in the Champions League with 11 points, after winning three games, losing one and drawing two. The Red Devils have won two of their last five competitive games, drawing twice and losing in a shootout against Middlesbrough in the English FA Cup. Without a defeat in their last eight away games, the English side will fancy themselves for the win against Atleti.
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Head-to-head
This is the first competitive meeting between Atletico Madrid and Manchester United.
Prediction
Atletico Madrid have been vulnerable in defense throughout the season. Atleti kept just one clean sheet in their six group stage games, a surprising stat for Diego Simeone’s team. Considering Manchester United’s impressive form in front of goal, led by talisman Cristiano Ronaldo, goals are expected to be scored in today’s game. The Red Devils however are in better form than their Spanish opponents, and are likely to edge pass Atleti with a win.
Lineup
Atletico Madrid possible starting lineup: Oblak; Vrsaljko, Gimenez, Savic, Reinildo; Llorente, Herrera, Kondogbia, Correa; Felix, Suarez
Manchester United possible starting lineup: De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Pogba; Elanga, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo
