Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid. Prediction and Preview. Probable Lineups, Team News, Stats and more
Manchester United will host Atletico Madrid at Old Trafford in the the second leg of UEFA Champions League round of 16. The match will take place on March 15, beginning at 01:30 IST.
One of the central matches in the Champions League last 16 will be Manchester United’s clash with Atlético de Madrid. The first leg in the Spanish capital three weeks ago ended in a 1-1 draw. That result keeps both teams’ quarter-final chances alive.
Which team has a better chance of progressing further? Let’s find out. Parimatch News have prepared a preview and prediction for you.
Manchester United News & Current Form:
The first game in Madrid was an evenly contested one, with the teams playing defensively and very cautiously, having only three shots on target between them. Roughly equal statistical performances and an evenly matched squads yielded a fair draw (1-1).
After a 3-match winless streak in the two competitions, Manchester United secured a vital 3-2 home win at Old Trafford over Tottenham. Cristiano Ronaldo, who has recovered from injury, had a brilliant display – it was a masterpiece. The hat-trick that brought MU the crucial three points made the fans praise the Portuguese’s greatness once again, and the haters can only be jealous.
The Red Devils made their way back into the top-four in the EPL but only temporarily as the brilliant Arsenal FC from London, who are in superb form, beat Leicester in the last 24 hours to reclaim their place in the Champions League zone.
Victory against Spurs is important for United, not only regarding their league prospects, but also as a morale booster after their drastic derby defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Manchester City. The Reds will go into the match in high spirits, charged for success.
Having said that, it is unlikely that they can be considered among the real candidates for the European throne – the competition is too tough. However, the English are capable of beating Atletico Madrid. The progression to the top eight in Europe is just as important a milestone in the development of the current club as the successful challenge for a place in the top four of the English Premier League.
“It doesn’t matter in which way we would qualify for the Champions League next season, the question is what is more realistic. Tomorrow, it’s Champions League and we obviously will try everything we can to win the game tomorrow, and then we will be in the last eight, but even if we manage to do that, there are a few other good teams in the competition. In three weeks, we have the next Premier League game, against Leicester at home, and we will still try to push and do everything to win the next games in the Premier League, we are fully aware we should not be dropping points any more, in none of the games. Right now Arsenal is in good shape, they won again yesterday at home against Leicester, so, for us, it’s clear, we have to look after ourselves, and make sure that we win all the next upcoming games in the Premier League. Tomorrow is a different competition, it’s Champions League and, as I said, everybody in the squad and staff is highly motivated and we cannot wait for the kick-off tomorrow.”
The German speculated on how the end of the season might unfold on the recent press conference.
Will not play – Greenwood, questionable – McTominay, Fernandes, Shaw.
Atletico Madrid News & Current Form:
The Mattresses approach the return leg against Man Utd with a five-match unbeaten streak, with four wins in that period and only one draw against, well, the Mancunians.
Simeone’s team have gained confidence in their ability, but at the same time, they have not stopped conceding regularly. For example, in their last four games in the two tournaments, the Red and Whites have conceded only a fairly average side, Celta. So, we doubt the Spaniards will be able to produce a clean sheet at Old Trafford.
In the La Liga standings, Diego Simeone’s side have lost control of the top spot despite their performance – after 28 rounds, Madrid have recorded 15 wins and six peaceful outcomes, which have brought them 51 points and fourth place in the standings. In the last two rounds, the Mattresses beat Betis (3-1) and Cadiz (2-1).
But, unlike MU, Atletico are all the way into the Champions League and it is unlikely that the experienced Indians will let Betis, Real Sociedad or Villarreal get ahead of them. And Atlético de Madrid’s away record is very good, at least in the Champions League. In their three away games in the current competition, Madrid have only lost to Liverpool.
Not available – Wass, Cunha. In doubt – Vrsaljko, Correa, Lemar.
Manchester United season form guide (all competitions): W-W-D-D-L-W
Atletico Madrid season form guide (all competitions): L-W-D-W-W-W
Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid Head-To-Head Record:
| Man Utd | Draw | Atletico Madrid |
| 0 | 2 | 1 |
Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid Predicted XI:
Manchester United Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): David de Gea; Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Alex Telles; Fred, Scott McTominay; Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho; Cristiano Ronaldo
Atletico Madrid Predicted Lineup (3-5-2): Jan Oblak; Stefan Savić, Felipe, Reinildo; Llorente, Hector Herrera, Koke, Rodrigo De Paul, Renan Lodi; João Félix, Antoine Griezmann
Statistical preview of the match Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid:
- This season, in the UCL, MU has played 6 out of 7 matches with the exchange of goals.
- The Mancunians have scored six goals in three home games of the current Champions League campaign – an average of two goals per game.
- Madrid have scored more than once in two of their three away matches in the current Champions League.
- In the last nine games, Oblak’s goal has remained untouched only twice.
- In 5 of Manchester Utd’s previous 6 home games in the UCL at least 3 goals have been scored.
- Atletico have visited England 16 times in UEFA sponsored tournaments – three wins, seven draws and six defeats.
What has been said before the match:
“I can imagine a dynamic game, with alternating pressure at times, which is what usually happens at a stadium like Old Trafford. Every game is different and we know the potential of Man Utd.”
“We have a fantastic opportunity to be in the top eight teams in Europe if we beat them tomorrow and this is exactly what we’re trying to achieve. I think the game against Tottenham on which level we can play and with another 10 or 20% on top of that, I’m sure we can also win the game tomorrow.”
Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid Prediction:
Both Man Utd and Atlético de Madrid are not exactly looking like unbeatable teams this season. Both the English and Spaniards have been producing goalscoring displays on a regular basis, with the Mancunians’ last two games in the EPL being a case in point. The recent encounter between Atlético and Betis at the Benito Villamarín is also something to remember.
There is every reason to believe that Tuesday’s game will be a high-scoring affair. As for the outcome, we are on the Mancunians’ side, Ronaldo is shining again, having scored a hat-trick against Tottenham the other day – and that gives a lot of courage and confidence ahead of such important UCL clashes. We will be expecting the Portuguese to be bright at Old Trafford again against the Spanish champions.
Parimatch News staff prediction:
We say: 1) Both to score – Yes (safer option). 2) The match total over 2.5 – Yes. 3) Man Utd to win – Yes.