Atletico Madrid vs Man Utd: Champions League team news and prediction
Atletico Madrid haven't won a home Champions League game since October 2020, a record Manchester United will look to extend when they face the defending La Liga champions at the Wanda Metropolitano tonight.
Ahead of this one, we provide the pre-match information, including where to watch the game, where this clash takes place, team news and probable XIs.
When is kick off?
Wednesday 23rd February, 20:00 GMT
Where is the match?
Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid (Spain)
What TV channel is it on?
BT Sport 2
Route to the last-16
Atletico Madrid had to wait until their final group stage game to secure their place in the last-16 of the Champions League, and even then they needed to beat Porto in Portugal. A 3-1 victory on matchday six was one of only two victories for Atletico as a three-game losing run threatened to prematurely end their European adventure. Nevertheless, they wrapped up second spot with seven points to set up a meeting with Manchester United.
The Premier League side kicked off their campaign with a shock 2-1 loss at Swiss side Young Boys, but quickly recovered from that defeat to go through the final five games unbeaten, winning three. Unbeaten at home in the competition, picking up seven of nine available points, they'll look for a repeat of their last visit to Spain, where they earned a 2-0 win at Villarreal back in November.
Team news
Diego Simeone is without key winger Yannick Carrasco after his dismissal in Porto in Atletico's final group game and his absence is a blow. Simeone does have Felipe available after the centre-back served a two-match ban and the Brazilian is supposedly going to line up alongside Stefan Savic and Reinildo in a three-man backline. Matheus Cunha, Daniel Wass and captain Koke are all absent for the hosts, while Mario Hermoso and Thomas Lemar are doubts due to COVID related issues. Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann are unlikely to start.
Edinson Cavani will hope to return in time for Manchester United's meeting with Watford at the weekend, but the Uruguayan is the only main injury concern for Ralf Rangnick's side. Rangnick could make changes to his backline, with Harry Maguire potentially the only defender to feature against both Leeds and Atletico. Jesse Lingard was a surprise starter at Elland Road, though should drop out in place of Marcus Rashford.
Probable XIs
Atletico Madrid (352) - Oblak; Savic, Felipe, Reinildo; Vrsaljko, Llorente, Herrera, Kondogbia, Lodi; Correa, Felix
Man Utd (433) - De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Telles; Fernandes, McTominay, Pogba; Rashford, Ronaldo, Sancho
Key Battle: Jan Oblak vs David De Gea
Jan Oblak has made a disappointing start to 2022, but recovered well from a blip to kick off the year to make the La Liga team of the week following a superb display in Atletico's 3-0 win at Osasuna at the weekend. He hasn't been at his dominant best in the Champions League this season either, yet to his credit, he put in a solid shift as Atletico beat Porto 3-1 to book their last-16 spot, making five saves in Portugal. A similar display will certainly frustrate Manchester United tonight.
Speaking of frustrating opponents, David De Gea has proven a master this season. Only Guglielmo Vicario (98) has made more saves than De Gea (94) in Europe's top five leagues in 2021/22 with the 31-year-old looking back to his shotstopping best. Supporters are hoping they will witness another match-winning performance from the 31-year-old on his old stomping ground tonight.
Score Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1-1 Manchester United
