United coach Ralf Rangnick made three positions in his team compared to the 4-2 win in Leeds. Raphaël Varane replaced Victor Lindelöf in central defence, who replaced Aaron Wan-Bissaka at left-back. For Scott McTominay and Jesse Lingard, Fred and Marcus Rashford should cause a stir from the start.
The Madrilenians had to do without four regular players in the round of 16 first leg: Yannick Carrasco (banned), Luis Suárez and Antoine Griezmann (both on the bench) and captain Koke. Star coach Diego Simeone switched to a 5-3-2 formation in the 3-0 home win against CA Osasuna – Renan Lodi, Geoffrey Kondogbia and Angel Correa were new to the team.
The Rojiblancos’ inconsistent performances over the past few weeks have evaporated – the hosts led the way from the start and put United’s defense under pressure deep in the opposition’s half – an unfamiliar sight in the Simeone era. Manchester goalkeeper David de Gea had to get the ball out of the net for the first time early in the game: Atlético was more alert than the English after a corner. In the second attempt, Renan Lodi brought a sharp cross to the near post. Joao Felix nodded the ball to the inside of the post without any problems, from where the play equipment bounced into the goal (7′).
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The United attacking trio of Jadon Sancho, Cristiano Ronaldo and Rashford hardly took place offensively. After half an hour, the Red Devils at least managed to free themselves from the pressure a little. Shortly before the break, however, Sime Vrsaljko had the 2-0 on his feet. Again it was Lodi who used his speed advantages against Lindelöf and crossed inside. The Croatia international’s header hit the post.
In the second round, both teams neutralized each other for long stretches. Atlético couldn’t keep up the pace from the first half and pulled the pressing line back 20 meters. United came to more pass relays – the Rangnick squad lacked creative impulses. It was enough to equalize: after a vertical pass from Bruno Fernandes, the central midfielder went down too early against Anthony Elanga. United’s youngsters pushed the ball coldly past Oblak into the left corner (80′).
Shortly before the end it got loud in the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano when substitute Griezmann banged the game device on the crossbar. However, the 1-1 draw, which was flattering from United’s point of view, remained.
The voices:
Diego Simeone (Trainer Atletico Madrid): “The performance and the result don’t match today. There were a lot of things in our game that I liked. Manchester have the advantage now – they’re playing at home. It’s all still open.”
Jose Maria Gimenez (Atletico Madrid): “We didn’t deserve the draw. We invested a lot and were far superior to Manchester. We had a very good match plan – especially through Lodi we kept pressing. In the second leg we want to play for a win, but a draw would also help us pass.”
Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid): “There is a bitter taste in our mouths because the team put in a lot of effort and a mistake resulted in a draw. We knew where we could hurt United.”
Anthony Elanga (Manchester United): “On the field I do everything to help the team. I’m confident enough to say I’ll be the best player on the field.”
Alex Telles (Manchester United): “We wanted to win. However, we got a good result. We know we are strong at Old Trafford and we will come through. The game was difficult. After half-time we were better in the game. We have to show a different face in the second leg. “
David de Gea (Manchester United): “It was a little strange coming home. It’s nice to be back playing against a team that got me where I am today. It’s nice to see familiar faces again.”
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Under the aegis of Simeone, the Rojiblancos have been playing destructive defensive football for years. The performance of the Madrilenians was all the more amazing tonight. Especially in the first half, the capital city stressed the opponent from Manchester deep in the opposing half, which provoked Félix and Co. to win the ball early. Fans will be excited to see if the Spaniards will show a similar style of play at Old Trafford.
The stats: 11
Although Rangnick often has to endure harsh criticism from experts in England, there is no doubt about his quality as a coach. With Elanga, the 64-year-old made his eleventh appearance this season as a substitute, who went on to make the top scorer list.
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