Atletico Madrid host Manchester United in a UEFA Champions League matchday two clash at the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid on Tuesday. Kickoff is at 19:00 GMT, and the fixture marks the return of the competition’s action in Europe.
The two sides go into the match in contrasting moods. Atletico arrive in good form at home in Spain, while United are struggling in the Premier League, sitting in the bottom half of the table and several places below their traditional rivals.
Atletico’s strong start in La Liga and Europe
Atletico have made a promising start to the 2026-27 La Liga season and sit second, five points behind leaders and title holders Barcelona. Of their eight league games, they have won six, drawn one and lost one.
One of those wins was a feisty 2-1 derby victory over Real Madrid. In the Champions League, however, Atletico lost 2-1 to Liverpool at Anfield in their first match of the season.
Left winger Alex Baena and striker Jonathan David have been driving the attack. Baena is in good form for club and country, with four goals and two assists for Atletico this season, while David has three goals and two assists.
United’s difficult league campaign
United are experiencing one of their worst starts to a league campaign. They are 12th in the Premier League with six points, having won only one of six matches, with three draws and two defeats.
Those defeats include a controversial 1-0 loss to their bitter rivals, Manchester City. In Europe, United thrashed Azerbaijani club Sabah 4-0 in their campaign opener.
After two matches, the league phase table keeps Atletico 25th and United fourth. The top eight teams at the end of the league phase qualify directly for the knockout rounds, so both clubs have plenty to play for.
Key players and head-to-head record
Bruno Fernandes, the United captain, has been the team’s top scorer with four goals in all competitions, and he also has an assist. Forward Bryan Mbeumo has three goals and an assist, and the pair are being looked to by United to turn their season around.
The preview also noted that Julian Alvarez has yet to find the net so far this season, despite his importance to Atletico’s link-up play.
Tuesday’s game will be the fifth meeting between the clubs in history and the third in the Champions League. Opta’s supercomputer has given Atletico a 48.5 percent probability of victory, while United have a 27.2 percent chance and a draw is estimated at 24.3 percent.
Team news and line-ups
Atletico have a fully fit squad. The side listed for the hosts is Jan Oblak; Marc Pubill, Cristian Romero, David Hancko; Marcos Llorente, Pablo Barrios, Koke, Giuliano Simeone; Kang-in Lee, Alex Baena; and Julian Alvarez.
United, meanwhile, have as many as five players out with injuries:
- Patrick Dorgu (hamstring)
- Benjamin Sesko (shin)
- Tom Heaton (abdomen)
- Manuel Ugarte (knee)
- Matthijs de Ligt (back)
The listed United side is Senne Lammens; Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, Diogo Dalot; Youri Tielemans, Kobbie Mainoo; Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha; and Marcus Rashford.
