The UCL 2021/2022 season actions continue with the round of 16 first-leg matches coming to a close, with Atletico Madrid hosting English giants Manchester United.
It’s set to be a battle of the greats from Spain and England for a chance in the last eight of the competition. With both clubs currently underperforming, find out how we expect the game to go and the outcome in the end. Let’s dive right in!
Overview
Atletico Madrid and Manchester United are coming on the back of victories in their respective leagues. Atletico saw a 3-0 thrashing of Osasuna away from home, while Man United edged out fierce rivals Leeds in a six-goal thriller.
Both teams are yet to meet in this competition in recent times. So, we expect to see a massive showdown with both teams looking to revive their seasons and take a step further in this season’s champions league competition.
Last Games Records
The last time these teams clashed in a competitive tournament was as far back as 1991 in a two-legged UEFA European Cup Winners Cup game. In that tie, Atletico won the first leg by scoring three un-replied goals, and the second leg ended in a 1-1 draw.
However, this is a long time ago as Man United has gone ahead to win two UCL trophies, and Atletico Madrid has featured in two finals, although they were unlucky to win neither. So, this game is more of a fresh start for their UCL teams’ stats.
Matchup Information
The Atletico Madrid and Manchester United game continues the first rounds of the 16 games in the 2021/2022 UEFA Champions League season. It is a chance for either team to cement their place in the quarterfinals, giving them a chance to win the most coveted trophy in Europe.
The game is set to take place:
- At the Wanda Metropolitano, the home stadium for the Spanish giants, Atletico Madrid.
- It will kick off on Wednesday 23 of this month
- At 8 PM GMT, 9 PM CET, 3 PM ET, and 12 PM PT.
Atletico Madrid vs Man United Betting Analysis
With a very distant history between the two teams, Atletico and Man United are set to go head-to-head in their quest to claim the most coveted crown in European club football.
Both teams are having a below-par season, but they are on their way to turning things around. Realistically, the UCL is the only trophy left for both teams to vie, so they would be on each other’s neck for a chance to win at least one silverware this season. And it is not just any silverware, the UEFA champions league trophy.
So, join us as we provide betting analysis for both teams and where they stand as they face off.
Atletico Madrid Betting Analysis
Atletico Madrid is a conservative team with a compact setup, where they try to get a goal early on and try to protect the lead. Although they have been unable to do so this season, having let so many leads slip throughout the season, they are shaping up to the team we know.
The team has had quite some progress with three wins in their last five matches. Before the last five, they had only three wins and one draw in the last 10. As a result, they currently sit fifth on the log, a place out of the top four, taking them out of the champions league spot for next season.
Although the team is not famous for scoring many goals, they scored 12 in the last five games. And in the process, conceded ten goals. So, they are not as compact or conservative as they used to be; therefore, we expect a more open game.
Man United Betting Analysis
Man United is a counterattacking team ready to soak in the attack and hit on the break. However, with a change in personnel, the team’s shape has changed, and they do more “gen-gen” pressing, where they try to close down every opponent’s attack.
Although they have struggled to implement the tactics on the pitch, we can see the philosophy taking shape, especially in the last match against Leeds.
In addition, the team has only lost six games and drawn seven in their 26 English Premier League match, putting them in the sweet champions league spot.
However, other teams are closing, making their position in the top four shaky. So, they will be looking to continue their fine form of zero losses in the last five EPL games, where they have only conceded four goals and scored nine. Therefore, we might not see them let in many goals, but there is a chance they would concede.
Teams Updates
There is not much in terms of updates as both teams do not have any first-team members injured from the last game. Although Cavani is still being assessed by the Man United medical to see if he can join the squad, it is improbable.
So, we expect to see the same squad that played over the weekend from both teams. In that case, we will get to see Cristiano Ronaldo take on one of his favorite opponents in the Champions League. He is most likely going to be the star man of this matchup.
Atletico Madrid vs Man United Betting Preview
Both teams are looking for a way to ensure they have a realistic chance to win silverware this season, and moving to the next round would take them closer.
So, this will be an impressive showdown of over 180 minutes of football, starting with 90 on Wednesday 22nd at the Wanda Metropolitano. We expect a tight game, but it would undoubtedly have intriguing moments.
Atletico Madrid vs Man United Betting Prediction
Based on our analysis of this game, we are looking at a more close tie that might not involve a lot of goals as both teams would like to have a fighting chance for the second leg.
However, both teams are currently on a run of form where they almost always concede a goal. So, we expect both teams to score and the match to end in a 2-1 victory in favor of Atletico Madrid.
Atletico Madrid vs Man United Prediction
To participate in UCL betting, go to your sportsbook’s UCL section, select the game, and pick the option you want to bet on.
For instance, you can choose to bet against the spread, choosing the team you think would cover the spread. You can go for +/-1.5 for either side, depending on your prediction.
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