Champions League: Man United aiming for European progress against Atletico

All to play for at Old Trafford

Manchester United might have been outplayed in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash with Atletico Madrid, but they return to Old Trafford for act two poised at 1-1.

Anthony Elanga came off the bench to save United’s blushes in an encounter in Spain that saw Atleti dominate but miss chances to add to Joao Felix’s opening goal.

Man United to take advantage of this by winning in normal time on Tuesday is 2.28 while Atletico can be backed at 3.9. A draw is priced at 3.3, which would see the game go into extra-time.

Man United on a high

United come into this match on a rare high this season, having impressed in a 3-2 victory over Tottenham at the weekend. Cristiano Ronaldo, of course, starred on that occasion as he netted a brilliant hat-trick, having scored only once previously in 2022.

Predicting what United might do next, however, is tricky. They have been inconsistent at home to say the least. Recent league games have seen them held by Watford and Southampton at Old Trafford, while they have also lost to Wolves since the turn of the year, and have been knocked out of the FA Cup by Championship side Middlesbrough.

In Europe, meanwhile, they have beaten Villarreal and Atalanta in front of their home support, while the 1-1 draw to round off the group stage against Young Boys was not a live tie.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a weekend hat-trick against Tottenham

Atleti hitting form

Atletico Madrid have had a similarly uneven season to their hosts. They have, however, run into some form in the league, picking up victories in their last five games, including three in succession following their draw with the Red Devils.

Diego Simeone’s side have the benefit of one extra rest day going into this tie. They played Cadiz on Friday and took maximum points thanks to goals from Joao Felix and Rodrigo de Paul.

Their pedigree away from home in Europe this season is impressive. They have won at Milan and Porto, while a 2-0 loss in Liverpool was at least in part caused by the first-half dismissal of Felipe.

Felix the threat

Traditionally, Atletico Madrid might try to grind this game out but they are a much more attacking side than we are used to seeing from them. With Man United also prone to being involved in high-scoring European games this season, backing both teams to score at 1.96 looks attractive. Similarly, supporting at least three goals in the game offers tempting value at 2.26.

Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, sent out a warning as to his capabilities at the weekend. He is 2.82 to score anytime and has netted 25 times in 36 previous matches against Atleti. The outstanding value in this regard, though, is Joao Felix, who is priced at 4.7. Given his electric recent from, this is tough to ignore.

Recommended Bets

Both teams to score @ 1.96

Joao Felix anytime scorer @ 4.7