Ralf Rangnick has warned his side they face "a hostile atmosphere" in their Champions League last-16 first-leg tie away to Atletico Madrid News

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Ralf Rangnick has warned his side they face "a hostile atmosphere" in their Champions League last-16 first-leg tie away to Atletico Madrid

By Daily Sports Nigeria on February 23, 2022

The opening game is in Spain before the return at Old Trafford on 15 March.

"Some of our players will not be received with a red carpet," said Rangnick.

"Mentally, we need to be prepared for an emotional and hostile atmosphere. This is not the easiest of draws."

Manchester United finished top of Group F, while Atletico - who won La Liga last season but are only fifth domestically in 2021-22 - came second behind Liverpool in Group B.

United will be without Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani because of a groin problem, with Rangnick saying "it doesn't make sense to push him" after he has been unable to train for two weeks.

"We have the chance to reach the quarter-finals," added the German. "We have to show we're up for it.

"If we get through, it will raise the levels of confidence. In the Champions League, you need to perform on the highest possible level. We have to be prepared for the challenge and be mentally strong.

"It is about getting the best possible result. The fixture won't be decided on Wednesday, it will be decided in the second leg.

"We want to play in the Champions League and show everybody we are able to beat this team. If we win the Champions League, we qualify next season.

"First we need to play two good games against Atletico to try to progress to the next round."

United 'one of the best teams in the world'

Diego Simeone's Atletico have won only three of their past eight matches in all competitions and lost in their last home match, 1-0 against Levante on 16 February.

They will be without midfielder Koke after their captain sustained an injury in their 3-0 win over Osasuna on Saturday, while midfielder Yannick Carrasco and defender Felipe are both suspended.

However, Atletico will be able to call on midfielder Thomas Lemar after he recovered from Covid-19.

"We're facing one of the best teams in the world," said Simeone on Tuesday. "In the last 14 games, they've lost one and the new manager (Rangnick) has given them that solidity. The team is much more compact, stronger and much more solid.

"Manchester United have evolved since the new manager has arrived. They are fourth in the league, have very brave and good forwards and he has got them to unite.

"We will try to find a way to hurt them and find a way to goal. I've no doubt my players will give their all.

"It will be a very difficult game as every Champions League game is. But we have a lot of anticipation to play in front of our fans and are lucky to play the last 16 at home with fans because we were not able to do that [in 2021 because of Covid-19]."

Source BBC Sports

Posted February 23, 2022