Manchester Utd – Atletico Madrid

Manchester United should not be considered clear favourites against Atletico

Manchester United take on Atletico at home in the return leg of the Champions League play-offs. The first leg ended 1-1, but went broadly according to the Indians' script. The Spanish club dominated the first half, keeping their opponents away from their own penalty area. After the break, MU were able to effectively punish their opponents for their mistake. At the same time, the English club did not show confident play. The excitement for United grew after the Devils' victory over Tottenham. Spurs lost 2-3, conceding three goals from Cristiano Ronaldo. A splendid performance from the Portuguese, but more of a one-off rather than a full-blown breakthrough for the Portuguese. Atletico quietly shut down Cristiano in the first match. The Spanish club also won their domestic league game. Indios beat Cadiz 2-1 in a tough encounter. Importantly, Joao Felix is now in fine form. The Portuguese has already scored for United in the first leg. Injuries could have an impact on the result. Atletico have seven players on the sidelines. Perhaps the most important losses are Jimenez and Lemar. On the positive side, we have the return of Antoine Griezmann. The Frenchman could make his first appearance for England. Manchester United have their biggest concerns involving Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese has a cold and could be in trouble. That said, he will definitely be out on the pitch, it's a question of the player's condition. The bookmakers put Manchester United as the favourites for the match. There is a kind of Cristiano Ronaldo effect. Objectively, though, the chances of the opponents are equal. Diego Simeone always takes Atletico to the European Cup play-offs with a special attitude. The matches are usually the best of the season. MU will definitely have problems in the positional attack. Plus no reliability at all in defence. Maguire is nowhere near the level of the Champions League. If United concede, the game will follow a perfect scenario for the visitors. Suffice it to recall how Atletico knocked out Liverpool two years ago, being even bigger outsiders. Now, United's only obvious advantage is the stands factor. Otherwise, the quality of the Spanish side's squad is the same. The two teams, on the other hand, have match problems. It is very likely that the club's cup campaign will end at Old Trafford.