Champions League: In-form Manchester United takes on Atletico Madrid in the last-16 first leg tie

Manchester United will travel to Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday evening to take on Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last-16 first leg fixture. The Red Devils finished top of Group F to reach the Round of 16 stage of the competition, while Atletico Madrid secured second spot in Group B behind Liverpool to qualify for the knockout stage. Atletico are heading into the match on the back of a stunning 3-0 win over Osasuna in La Liga. Meanwhile Manchester United also secured a thrilling 4-2 win over Leeds United in their last Premier League match.

The #UCL last 16 is in our sights ✊✨#MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 22, 2022

Atletico thrashed Osasuna courtesy of goals from Joao Felix, Luis Suarez and Angel Correa. However, the Spanish champions have been inconsistent this season and therefore are currently down in fifth spot in the table, 15 points adrift of the leaders Real Madrid. In the last four league games, Diego Simeone’s side secured two wins and suffered two loses. 

Colchoneros were far from convincing in the group stage of the 2021-22 Champions League, winning just two of their six games. But a 3-1 win over FC Porto on the final matchday helped them to move to second spot in the group and qualify for the knockout stage. 

Meanwhile, under Simone, Atletico have reached the quarterfinals or better in five of their last eight Champions League campaigns. In every season Atletico had done well, their defence has been solid but surprisingly this season, Atletico’s defence hasn’t been at their best. The good thing for Simeone is that his forwards are combining pretty well. Joao Felix and Suarez have been interlinking and complementing nicely of late. 

On the other hand, Manchester United will enter the contest on the back of a 4-2 win over Leeds courtesy of goals from Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Elanga and Fred. Ralf Rangnick’s side are sitting fourth in the Premier League standings, four points clear of fifth -placed West Ham United.

In the last four games, the Red Devils have registered two wins and two draws. Just like Atletico, United haven’t been great at the back but thanks to goalkeeper David de Gea’s heroics, the defensive stats haven’t been too bad.

Once again the onus will be on Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes to lead the attack. Both the Portuguese attackers have been in good form of late, having netted against Brighton. Their combination is going to be key for United and Ronaldo’s ability to deliver on big occasions might prove to be the difference.