Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid Predictions

• Atletico Madrid have kept only two clean sheets in their last 12
• The Spanish champions have conceded in their last six in Europe
• Man United have seen both teams score in six of seven UCL games
• Ronaldo has scored 13 goals in 15 home clashes with Atletico

Something’s got to give at Old Trafford

After drawing 1-1 in Madrid three weeks ago, this tie is finely poised going into the return clash at Old Trafford. United were the clear favourites, but Atletico’s three-game winning run must worry the Red Devils.

Recent history suggests both sides are at a disadvantage coming into this one. Manchester United have been eliminated from their last three Champions League knockout stage games when drawing the first leg. However, Atletico have been eliminated in three of the last four occasions they’ve failed to win the first leg at home.

Something has to give between those two records in this clash, but defensive issues for both sides should ensure this one is close.

Atletico look too open

Having had the reputation as one of Europe’s best defences, Atletico have regressed this season. They’ve also gone six games without a clean sheet in the Champions League, while they’ve conceded in 1o of their last 12.

Atletico also haven’t kept a clean sheet in any of their eight total away games against English teams in this competition, conceding 14 goals overall.

That record should delight Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored in both of his Champions League home games for Manchester United since returning to the club. The Portuguese has 13 goals in his last 15 home games against Atletico, so back him to follow up his weekend hat-trick with a goal in this clash.

United defence can’t be trusted

However, with four wins from their last five games the Spanish champions are certainly in scoring form. They have their own free-scoring Portuguese going into this game, with Joao Felix scoring in four of his last five, hitting five goals.

Following on from United’s weekend thriller, it’s easy to see another high-scoring clash at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have seen both teams score in six of their last eight matches, while six of their seven Champions League games this term have finished without a clean sheet for either side.

Given how good both sides look going forward, I can see plenty of goals in this clash. Both teams to score is excellent value considering how rarely the pair keep clean sheets, while I don’t see them settling for a goal each. This one is likely to be close and I can see extra time here, but with no away goal tie-breaker I’m going with a 2-2 correct score prediction.