📰 Table Of Contents
Recommended bets
[RECOMMENDED_BETS]
Manchester United have won 11 of their last 15 European home games, scoring 40 and conceding 12. The Red Devils have won just six of their last 14 two-legged knockout ties against Spanish clubs. Atleti have won ten of their last 12 knockout ties against English opponents.
Manchester United to win and both teams to score is 15/4.
Manchester United to win and over 2.5 goals is 11/4.
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 25 goals against Atlético, including two Champions League knockout phase hat-tricks. He is 7/2 to break the deadlock and 6/5 to net anytime.
Match preview
There was nothing to separate these two in Madrid three weeks ago, but there must be a winner this time.
In the first leg, it was Atlético Madrid who broke the deadlock just seven minutes in when Renan Lodi’s inch-perfect cross was headed in by João Félix.
Atlético Madrid completely dominated the first half, accumulating and xG figure of 1.31 before the break compared to Man United’s 0.04.
However, the hosts could not find a second and were punished when, with just ten to play, the Red Devils snatched a crucial equaliser.
Bruno Fernandes’ perfectly weighted through-ball was stroked into the bottom corner by teenaged substitute Anthony Elanga.
Thus, 1-1 it ended at the Wanda Metropolitano, meaning it’s winner takes all in Manchester.
Since reaching their last Champions League Final in 2011, Man United have won just two of six knockout ties in this competition.
Those wins came against Olympiacos in 2014 and, famously, over Paris Saint-Germain three years ago.
In the Premier League, Ralf Rangnick’s side face a real battle to be back in this competition next season, but those hopes were massively boosted on Saturday.
At the weekend, Cristiano Ronaldo’s 59th career hat-trick saw his team beat Tottenham 3-2, securing just a third league win in seven.
Over in La Liga, Atlético Madrid are reigning Spanish champions but, similar to their hosts, are far from guaranteed a top four spot.
Los Colchoneros battled to a 2-1 victory over relegation threatened Cádiz on Friday night with João Félix and Rodrigo De Paul on target.
That made it four successive wins for Diego Simeone’s side, their longest streak since January last year.
Neither side are at the top of their game right now but one will be celebrating a Champions League quarter-final spot at Old Trafford.
Manchester United team news
Cristiano Ronaldo, mysteriously, was absent from the Manchester derby but returned on Saturday and in emphatic fashion.
So, the 37 year old is clearly in top form as he looked to add to his 25 goals against Atlético Madrid.
He’ll lead the line, but compatriot Bruno Fernandes is a doubt after missing the Spurs win with illness.
Anthony Elanga could also come in for Marcus Rahsford on the other flank.
Scott McTominay also was not available at the weekend with Nemanja Matić coming in alongside Fred.
Alex Telles and Diogo Dalot could continue at full-back, chosen over Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Atlético Madrid team news
Atlético Madrid also have a very in-form Portuguese striker with João Félix having netted five in his last five appearances.
Top-scorer Ángel Correa could continue as his strike partner, but he was only on the bench at the weekend after hobbling off against Betis.
If Correa isn’t fit, Antoine Griezmann would keep his place with Luis Suárez left on the bench.
Key player Yannick Carrasco is still suspended having picked up a two-match ban for his red card in Porto on matchday six.
So, Renan Lodi and Marcos Llorente will be the wing-backs as Šime Vrsaljko is injured.
Mario Hermoso, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Daniel Wass, Thomas Lemar, Correa and Matheus Cunha join the Croatian in the treatment room.
With Koke out of form, Rodrigo De Paul and Héctor Herrera are the first picks in midfield.
