Champions League: Record-Breaking Ronaldo Ready to Rock Rojiblancos Anew

Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid

It’s still very much all to play for when Manchester United host Atletico Madrid at Old Trafford for the second leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie.

United salvaged a late 1-1 draw at the Wanda Metropolitano as Anthony Elanga equalised 10 minutes from time after Joao Felix had given the Rojiblancos an early lead.

But the Champions League 2022 betting odds still back the Red Devils to go through, as their own Portuguese No. 7 – Cristiano Ronaldo – will be soaring in confidence after his record-breaking performance on the weekend.

Talking Points

Ronaldo back with a bang

Manchester United bounced back from their disastrous derby defeat to Manchester City as they topped Tottenham in a thrilling 3-2 shootout this past weekend. The win snapped the Red Devils’ three-match winless run.

Cristiano Ronaldo returned from injury and fired home a hat-trick – the 59^th of his incredible career – to set a new all-time record for the most goals with 807.

Ronaldo was relatively quiet in the first leg in Madrid, which was quite a surprise given his excellent goalscoring record in this season’s Champions League – six goals in six games – not to mention his amazing goal record against Atletico – 25 goals in 36 games. But he will surely be eager to make some Champions League 2022 highlights in the second leg.

Raphael Varane returned from a recent illness to boost their backline. But midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay missed out against Spurs – possibly due to Covid – and remain doubts to feature.

Paul Pogba played in the No 10 role in Bruno’s absence, while Nemanja Matic started in defensive midfield. However, it remains to be seen whether the 33-year-old can be able to start twice in the space of only a few days.

United are undefeated in the Champions League at home this season. After beating Villarreal and Atalanta – both in comeback fashion capped off by Cristiano Ronaldo goals – they drew 1-1 to Young Boys.

Joao Felix still on fire

Atletico Madrid’s recent resurgence continued as they beat Cadiz 2-1 at home this past weekend. It was the Rojiblancos’ fourth win in a row in La Liga, and they have scored 10 goals during that time.

Joao Felix once again sparked Atleti with an early goal after just three minutes. The young Portuguese has been in fantastic form of late, scoring five goals in his last five games.

Felix was outstanding in the first leg as he scored the opening goal and had five shots overall. He will almost surely start in the second leg, but it remains to be seen whether Diego Simeone will pick Antoine Griezmann or Angel Correa to partner the Portuguese.

Although, Atleti have several injury concerns for the second leg, with Sime Vrsaljko, Matheus Cunha, Thomas Lemar, Mario Hermoso, and Daniel Wass all doubts to play.

Marcos Llorente filled in at right wing-back with Vrsaljko out, and he will likely have to do so again at Old Trafford.

Atleti won two of their three Champions League group games. They beat AC Milan 2-1 – albeit thanks to a very late Luis Suarez penalty – and defeated nine-man Porto 3-1.

History

Manchester United don’t have a great record against Spanish sides at home. They have won just 11 of 29 matches at Old Trafford, with 12 draws and six defeats. Although, they have won their last two matches against Spanish opposition: against Villarreal in the group stage and Granada in last year’s Europa League quarter-finals.

As for Atletico, they have won just three of 16 matches against English clubs, with seven draws and six defeats. They lost 2-0 to Liverpool in the group stage and also lost 2-0 to Chelsea in last year’s Champions League round of 16. Although, they did beat Liverpool at Anfield in the 2020 round of 16.

Betting Tip 

SBOTOP odds have Manchester United installed as 2.18 favourites to win the second leg at home. Atletico Madrid are priced at 3.45 to get the away win, while a draw is 3.10.

United don’t have much of an advantage with the removal of the away goals rule, but they should still have the slight edge at home. And with Ronaldo in raring form after his historic hat-trick, Atletico will be wary of suffering more heartbreak at the hands of the Portuguese superstar.

That’s exactly what I see going down at Old Trafford. With Ronaldo leading the way, United get the win they need to progress to the quarter-final.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.