UCL Preview: Atletico Madrid vs. Manchester United – team news and possible lineups

ucl

Atlético Madrid will host Manchester United at the Wanda Metropolitano tonight in the final of the UEFA Champions League.

United have not played Atlético Madrid in the European Championships since the 1991/92 Winners ’Cup. Atlético won 4-1 on aggregate and will expect the same from this exit.

Los Colchoneros gave themselves the much-needed confidence boost on Saturday, with a 3-0 win over Osasuna in La Liga.

Manager Diego Simeone spoke on Tuesday before the game in the Spanish capital.

“We are facing one of the best teams in the world. In the last 14 games, we have lost just one, ”Simeone told reporters at a pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

“Since the arrival of the new coach [Rangnick], he has given them strength, co-operation, and dedication. The new coach has done his thing because he sees it as a strong, powerful, courageous team with very good people.

“The game will be as tough as any other Champions League game, but we are on our own and with our fans.”

“One day there was a good spirit in the team. I hope it will be there when we face Manchester United because that will enable us to compete better, ”said the Argentine.

United striker and former Real Madrid player Cristiano Ronaldo is not the most popular player for Atlético fans. The Portuguese has played La Liga more times than any other team during his career, scoring 25 goals in 35 games.

Atlético missed captain Koke on Wednesday night due to injury. Yannick Carrasco in form is suspended on both legs. Thomas Lemar returns to the team after recovering from Covid-19.

Antoine Griezmann is back in training but did not come off the bench at the weekend and is unlikely to play right away against United who have not been seen since early December.

David de Gea is back to face the side he left to join Manchester United in 2011. The Spanish striker has spoken to UEFA ahead of a trip to Madrid.

“Of course, I will return home [to this program], back to the team that gave me the opportunity to be what I am today. But this is just another game, ”said De Gea.

“Everyone wants to play well, we want to win, it’s a Champions League game. Obviously, I wish Atlético all the best, but I don’t know if the fact that we play them is a good or a bad omen. Everyone goes there to win, especially me. ”

Atlético Madrid Possible XI:

Oblak – Vrsaljko, Savic, Giménez, Reinildo – Marcos Llorente, Kondogbia, Héctor Herrera, Lemar – Correa, João Félix.

Manchester United Possible  XI:

De Gea – Dalot, Maguire, Varane, Shaw – Pogba, McTominay – Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Sancho – Cristiano Ronaldo.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *