UCL ROUND OF 16 PREVIEW: Athletico Madrid vs Manchester United

The first leg of the UCL Round of 16 comes to an end today.

But before it does, 2 more games are scheduled to go down.

Athletico Madrid host Manchester United in Spain while Ajax will travel to Portugal to take on Benfica.

Massive games considering the caliber of teams taking on each other.

Our focus on today’s preview will however be on the bigger clash involving the Rojiblancos and the Red devils.

2 teams going through a lot at the moment, although the situation of things seems to be looking more hopeful in Manchester.

I feel both teams will look to make some statement today, don’t you?

Without any further ado, let’s delve straight into the business of the day.

UCL (ATHLETICO MADRID):

Impressive Performance Against English Teams: A huge fact favoring Diego Simeone’s men when it comes to Knockout stage ties.

Although the Rojiblancos’ last 2 meetings against EPL teams all ended in losses, they’ve won 4 of their last 5 European competition knockout stage ties against these sets of opponents.

Teams they’ve defeated include Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Fulham.

And here they are in another knockout stage tie, taking on Manchester United.

Don’t you think their previous good experience against other EPL teams will be a big motivating factor for them?

Current Unimpressive Run Of Games: A negative fact that could be turned into a weapon if well utilized

The Rojiblancos have won just 3 and drawn 1 out of their last 8 games in all competitions.

A fact that has seen them drop to 5th in their domestic league and also piled huge pressure on their coach, Diego Simeone.

From the look of things, you can assume they will be coming out to prove some point today.

We got the tip of the iceberg as they discharged Osasuna with an emphatic 3 nil win over the weekend.

Don’t be surprised if they go 1 step higher today by defeating the most decorated team in England.

Shifting our attention to the away side, let’s take a look at facts favoring them.

UCL (MANCHESTER UNITED)

Current Impressive Run Of Games: Definitely my first fact in favor of the Red devils

Ralf Ragnick’s men have had 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss in their last 5 games.

What makes this fact even better is the level of improvement they are beginning to show.

90% of us will agree that bar United’s poor defense, they look to be getting better since their shocking FA Cup loss to Middleborough.

I feel we will get some good display again today from their attack, what about you?

Fairly Impressive UCL Performance: Another fact that gives Ralf Ragnick’s men an edge over Diego Simeone’s side.

Bar their shocking loss to Young Boys, United have looked somewhat impressive, winning 3 and drawing 2 of their 5 remaining Group games.

Atletico Madrid on the other hand were only able to manage 2 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses in 6.

Yes, I know we might want to say that Athletico Madrid had a tougher Group.

The above however doesn’t change the fact that United will be the more confident team going into today’s game.

I think I need to hear your case on this point guys.

Please, do well to drop them in the “Comment Section” below.

CONCLUSION:

Picking a side in this feisty-looking tie will definitely be a huge task for me.

I think sitting on the fence to enjoy how this game eventually plays out will be a better option.

What do you think esteem readers?

🔥MID-WEEK QUIZ🔥

• According to this Blogpost, Athletico Madrid have won ____ out of ____ knock-out ties against EPL teams. Name all the EPL teams they defeated.

• According to this Blog post, Manchester United recorded ____ wins, ____ draws, and ____ loss compared to Athletico Madrid’s ____ wins, ____ draws, and ____ losses in this Season’s UCL Group stage.

• Who is the only player to win the Champions League with three different clubs?

NOTE:

• 1st Correct answer gets #500 and 500MB(MTN), while 2nd correct answer gets 500MB(MTN).

• All answers should be submitted using the “Comment Section” below.

• Double answers will be treated as void.