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Manchester United vs Atlético Champions League round of 16 preview: Where to watch, predicted line-ups, squad changes

When is it? How can you watch it? What are the possible line-ups? All you need to know about the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg between Manchester United and Atlético.

Manchester United's Juan Mata and Bruno Fernandes chat during training on Monday
Manchester United's Juan Mata and Bruno Fernandes chat during training on Monday Manchester United via Getty

Manchester United and Atlético meet in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg on Tuesday 15 March.

Manchester United vs Atlético at a glance

When: Tuesday 15 March (21:00 CET kick-off)
Where: Old Trafford, Manchester
What: UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg
How it stands: Level at 1-1 after the first leg
How to follow: Build-up and live coverage will appear here

Where to watch Manchester United vs Atlético on TV

Fans can find their local UEFA Champions League broadcast partner(s) here.

What happened in the first leg?

Highlights: Atlético 1-1 Man. United

United were second best for much of the first leg but somehow left Madrid with parity. Diego Simeone's side made a turbo-charged start and were ahead just seven minutes in thanks to João Félix's thumping header. Šime Vrsaljko hit the bar as looked to capitalise on their dominance, but United clung on and were level late on thanks to 19-year-old substitute Anthony Elanga's cool finish. Antoine Griezmann was then denied by the woodwork to compound the hosts' frustrations.

Starting line-ups

Manchester United: De Gea; Dalot, Maguire, Varane, Alex Telles; Fred, McTominay; Elanga, Bruno Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo

Atlético: Oblak; Savić, Giménez, Reinildo; Llorente, Herrera, Koke, De Paul, Lodi; João Félix, Griezmann

Away goals rule abolished

There has been a rule change for 2021/22: ties level after the second leg will go to extra time and a penalty shoot-out if required, irrespective of the number of away goals a team has scored.

Form guide

Manchester United
Since first leg: WLD
Where they stand: 5th in Premier League

Atlético
Since first leg
: WWW
Where they stand: 4th in Spanish Liga

Expert predictions

Richard Martin, Manchester United reporter
Confidence is low after losing to Manchester City and a run of two wins in their last eight games in all competitions. However, the derby defeat not withstanding, interim boss Ralf Rangnick has improved the defence and the team have got better at controlling games. If everyone is fit and with a forceful atmosphere behind them, United have the star power and know-how to overcome Atlético.

Watch all seven of Ronaldo's goals against Atlético

Joseph Walker, Atlético reporter
Atleti could, perhaps should, have been out of sight before United grabbed a late equaliser in the first meeting, meaning they need to get a result at Old Trafford. They will be buoyed with just how quiet they kept arch-nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo in the first leg, and will need to do so again in order to secure a place in the quarter-finals – despite having not been at their watertight best at the back this term so far.

What the coaches say

Ralf Rangnick, Manchester United manager: "Atlético don't mind the opposition having the ball. They have had less than 50% possession in their last league games. We are aware of that. It would be important to score the first goal ourselves. It's very important not to concede first. We are aware of that: we want to try not to concede at all if possible, but it will be important to score the first goal ourselves."

Diego Simeone, Atlético coach: "I imagine a dynamic game, at times alternating in pressure – what usually happens in a stadium like this. We will also have our counterattack to take advantage of any mistakes they make. They have a counterattack too, which is one of their best weapons."

When is the Champions League quarter-final draw?

The 2021/22 UEFA Champions League quarter-final, semi-final and final draws take place on Friday 18 March. The draw will begin at midday CET at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland. The live stream will appear here.

The draws are open, so there is no seeding or country protection. Any team can be drawn against any other team.

The 2022 Champions League final takes place at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday 28 May.