Can Rangnick outwit Simeone to reach the quarters?
With Anthony Elanga to thank, it is all square heading to the Theatre of Dreams for this Champions League round of 16 second leg.
Atletico Madrid were much the better side in the first leg where Manchester United struggled to get out of second gear before Elanga stepped off the bench to grab a foothold in the tie.
Diego Simeone will be relishing the trip to Old Trafford with the Mattress Makers, reminiscing of his triumph at Anfield in 2019/20.
Ralf Rangnick has not convinced many in the dugout since replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer until the end of the season, but there are some unbelievably talented players in the United squad, capable of deciding this tie on their own.
Background
Joao Felix's header was the main moment of quality in the first leg, leaping like a salmon to nod past David De Gea in the opening exchanges.
Both sides have been uncharacteristically poor defensively this season, with Jan Oblak almost unrecognisable from the player that played such a key role in Atleti winning the La Liga title last season.
Simeone’s men have their match winners too and arguably have more experience in this stage of the competition than the United squad.
It is set to be a tremendous occasion with Atleti desperate to spoil the party.
Without the away goals rule, it feels like there is an element of unpredictability on how it will affect proceedings and therefore the strongest angle into this one seems to be backing both sides’ attacking contingents.
Or getting against a resolute defensive display depending on which way you look at it.
Goals?
A goals angle is the most enticing for me, a United clean sheet does not look on the cards and it is hard to make a case for them drawing a blank given the options Rangnick has.
United have scored in nine of ten.
United have conceded in seven of ten.
United have seen both teams score in seven of ten.
United have seen over 2.5 goals in three of ten.
Atleti have scored in eight of ten.
Atleti have conceded in eight of ten.
Atleti have seen both teams score in six of ten.
Atleti have seen over 2.5 goals in six of ten.
United have the upper hand due to home advantage, however Atleti do look value at the price considering Simeone’s pragmatism and how they should be able to handle the pressure.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Simeone conquers again, 1-0 Atletico.