Atletico Madrid welcome Manchester City to Metropolitano Stadium in the second leg of their Quarter-Final tie in 2021-22 UEFA Champions League tie.
Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Atletico Madrid must score at least twice and claim victory to stand any possibility of winning the tie, although a single goal victory would take the tie to extra time and potentially penalties.
Man City meanwhile know that a win or draw would be enough to see them advance to the semi-finals for a second consecutive season.
Team News
Hector Herrera is a doubt for Atletico as he continues to recover from a thigh injury.
Jose Gimenez (muscle) is also considered a doubt for this match.
Manchester City could welcome Ruben Dias back into contention after the Portuguese defender missed their last seven matches with a hamstring injury.
Cole Palmer (foot) is nearing a return but won’t be risked until he is declared match fit by club doctors, whilst Benjamin Mendy (personal) remains absent.
Kyle Walker meanwhile is available after completing a three-match suspension after he was red carded in City’s final group match at RB Leipzig in December.
Stat Attack
- Atletico Madrid lost their only previous meeting against Manchester City – losing 1-0 in the first leg last week (L1).
- Man City are visiting Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium for the very first time in all competitions.
- Atletico have won just one of their last five home matches against English opposition (W1, D1, L3).
- Atletico Madrid has advanced on aggregate from just one of their last three Champions League ties in which they lost the first leg (W1, L2)
- Riyad Mahrez has scored four goals in Man City’s last three away matches in the Champions League (W2, L1).
Prediction
For all of their defensive discipline in the first leg, Atletico Madrid failed to keep a clean sheet and lacked effort to attack with not even one shot which is simply poor, whilst another lacklustre effort away to Mallorca in La Liga adds extra worry concerning their chance of a win here.
Man City meanwhile are now entering the second of three incredibly difficult matches within six days across three competitions, yet can come into this match on a high after delivering an excellent attacking display in Sunday’s draw against Liverpool.
Pep Guardiola though should be slightly concerned at how his team failed to twice protect one goal leads, whilst Ederson at times lacked focus on the ball which can’t be repeated here if they’re to advance without conceding.
I however am struggling to not see City winning here if they turn up and can get on the aggressive front foot early on, whereas Atletico simply can’t afford to concede first otherwise this tie will likely be over quite quickly if they settle into a deep defensive strategy and don’t attack.
Prediction: Atletico Madrid 0-2 Manchester City
Result: Atletico Madrid 0-0 Manchester City (Manchester City win 1-0 on aggregate!!)
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