The contest is evenly poised at 1-1 following the first leg at Wanda Metropolitano, with Anthony Elanga coming off the bench to cancel out Joao Felix’ opener last week.
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Manchester United will be aiming to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League when they host Atletico Madrid at Old Trafford for the second leg of the round of 16 tie on Tuesday. The contest is evenly poised at 1-1 following the first leg at Wanda Metropolitano, with Anthony Elanga coming off the bench to cancel out Joao Felix’ opener last week. The Red devils are going into the clash on the back of a thrilling 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur while Atletico have won all of their last four league games.
Also read: Crystal Palace vs Manchester City: Guardiola’s side held to a goalless draw
? United!
⚪️ United!
⚫️ United!#MUFC | #UCL— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 15, 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick as Ralf Rangnick’s side took all three points against Spurs and lifted their confidence after the 4-1 defeat against Manchester City. The Portuguese legend returned from injury to score a brilliant long-range goal early on before slotting home from Jadon Sancho’s assist and then headed home a late winner to seal the win for the Red Devils.
Meanwhile Atletico Madrid head into the contest on the back of a 2-1 victory against Cadiz in the La Liga on Friday. Diego Simeone’s side are in impressive run of form having won four of their last five games in all competitions and they are now placed at the fourth spot in the league standings, level on points with Barcelona who have a game in hand.
The Spanish club was far from convincing in the group stage of this season’s European competition , winning just two of their six matches, but a total of seven points saw them finish second in the group. Meanwhile Manchester United finished top of Group F, collecting 11 points from their six games.
Ronaldo will lead the attack with Sancho and Marcus Rashford playing either side of him. Bruno Fernandes, who missed the Spurs game because of COVID-19 is likely to come back into the side and occupy the area behind the forward line.
Meanwhile Fred is a sure-starter in the midfield while Rangnick will have to choose between McTominay and Paul Pogba to partner the Brazilian. McTominay, who missed the last game is likely to get the nod ahead of the Frenchman because of his work ethic and defensive abilities. If the coach decides to go all out attack we might see Pogba starting the game.
As for Atletico, Angel Correa could start up front with Luis Suarez and Antonine Griezmann potentially starting on the bench. Koke made a timely return in the league on Friday and the midfielder is expected to start at Old Trafford alongside Rodrigo De Paul and Hector Herrera.
