Pep Guardiola names club that can stop Man City from winning Champions League this season
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Wednesday night, February 23, will see football fans treated to an epic Champions League fixture pitting two of Europe's heavyweights in Atletico Madrid and Manchester United.
The first leg of the last 16 meeting to be played in the Spanish capital comes at a time both teams are enduring disappointing campaigns.
Diego Simeone’s charges have been inconsistent in the La Liga, having won just three of their last six games.
The same can be said about Man United, who have struggled to post favourable results in the domestic scene as they push for a top-four finish.
Pep Guardiola names club that can stop Man City from winning Champions League this season
FootballAs such, managers from both sides will be desperate to salvage the two-legged fixture by progressing to the next round of the continental competition.
Atletico Madrid were disappointing during the group stages of the tournament, managing to win just two of their six games.
They went on to lose three and drew one - but somehow managed to sail through as they managed to finish above FC Porto by two points.
Be that as it may, their poor run saw them finish nine points below eventual group winners, Liverpool.
On their part, the Red Devils topped Group F, just a point clear of second-placed Villarreal.
They Cristiano Ronaldo to thank for that brilliant run of results, with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner playing a central role in his side's qualification for the last 16.
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FootballAtletico Madrid have a number of concerns heading into the game - ranging from injuries to suspensions.
The trio of Antoine Griezmann, Koke and Yannick Carrasco is not expected to play a role in the United clash, having not been involved in a recent training session.
There are also doubts about the full match fitness of Luis Suarez.
In the United camp, Edinson Cavani is perhaps the biggest name missing out, with the striker currently struggling with a groin problem and has not travelled to Spain.
Man United:
De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Pogba; Elanga, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo
Atletico:
Oblak; Savic, Felipe, Reinildo; Vrsaljko, Llorente, Herrera, Kondogbia, Lodi; Correa, Felix
Earlier, Sports Brief reported Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has described Manchester United as one of the best teams in the world.
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FootballSimeone made the claim just hours before Atletico take on United in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clash.
"We’re facing one of the best teams in the world. They’ve just lost one in 15," Simeone said.