Manchester United v Atletico Madrid: Five things to look out for heading into tonight’s Champions League game

Manchester United will host Atletico Madrid at Old Trafford in the second leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie with an aggregate score of 1-1.

Anthony Elanga netted late in the reverse fixture to prevent United having a one-goal deficit going into their home fixture.

The game, which kicks-off at 8pm, will see the Red Devils try and reach the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time since 2019.

Atletico failed to reach the last eight of the Champions League last season, but did progress that far in the previous year.

With that being said, let’s take a look at some key talking points heading into the clash at Old Trafford.

Positive outlook for United

Despite the aggregate score being level going into Tuesday night’s fixture, United can have a positive outlook on the game based on their opposition’s record in the second leg, especially after their first-leg performance.

Los Colchoneros have been eliminated in three of their last four round-of-16 second-leg matches when failing to win the first leg, a stat the Red Devils will be delighted to hear.

English struggles

Another promising stat for United going into Tuesday’s clash concerns Atletico’s struggles when facing English opposition away.

The Madrid club have lost their last two games when visiting Premier League teams and have also failed to score in either.

United’s worrying history

It won’t be all plain sailing for United psychologically, with the club also having a worrying history when failing to win the first leg of a Champions League game.

The Red Devils have been eliminated in their last three fixtures in the competition when drawing the first leg, so it really is all to play for.

Felix fury

Joao Felix scored Atletico’s goal in the first leg and has been in good form since. The 22-year-old has netted three goals in as many games - something Ralf Rangnick, his staff and players will need to be wary of.

Bragging rights… for now

Whichever team progresses to the quarter-finals of the Champions League will have ‘bragging rights’ over the other in the competition for now.

Tuesday’s clash at Old Trafford will be only the second competitive two-legged fixture between the two clubs in a European competition, with the previous meetings resulting in Atletico winning 4-1 in the 1991 European Cup Winners’ Cup.