Atletico Madrid suffer blow before Manchester United game

Manchester United and Atletico Madrid are set to take on each other in one of the most interesting Round of 16 ties in the UEFA Champions League this season. Neither side has been in great form and this promises to be a close contest. But even then, one has to consider Ralf Rangnick’s team as the favourites at this point of time, considering the struggles that Diego Simeone’s side have faced.

Over their last 15 games across all competitions, Atletico Madrid have lost 8! On the other hand, while Manchester United have had their fair share of struggles as well, they look like a much more difficult side to beat ever since the arrival of Ralf Rangnick as interim manager.

And on top of that, Atletico Madrid have their availability issues surrounding some key players as well, heading into the match against Manchester United.

As reported by AS (via Sport Witness), Thomas Lemar, Daniel Wass, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Lecomte were absent from Atletico Madrid’s Sunday training session. On top of that, they are set to miss Yannick Carrasco due to suspension. Interestingly, Antoine Griezmann is back in training.

Atletico Madrid suffer blow before facing Manchester United in the Champions League

It is safe to say that the situation is far from ideal for Atletico Madrid. On the other hand, it is another cause for optimism when it comes to Manchester United.

Manchester United are in a comparatively better position right now when it comes to injuries and at the same time, they are in the middle of a better run of form as well.

They have won back-to-back games in the Premier League, with the last one being a 4-2 win over Leeds United, which should have given Rangnick’s side a lot of confidence heading into the Atletico Madrid match.

Also, Manchester United have Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been the Achilles’ heel of Atletico Madrid for many years now.