Champions League pre-match analysis: Atletico have the lead, can Ronaldo reproduce the true color of the ball king?
In the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, Manchester United will face Atletico Madrid in the early morning of 24 February. The two teams have been in general condition recently, but they have just returned to the winning track, which must make fans look forward to this C Ronaldo's re-encounter with Simeone.
Fitness status
First of all, in terms of physical fitness, Atletico Madrid has home advantage, and played the last game a day earlier than Manchester United, and there is more time for rest adjustment and preparation before this big battle, I believe that the physical condition is better. In the face of this battle, it is believed that Simeone will choose to meet the three-centre-back formation, and will also take advantage of the physical advantage to press forward to score goals.
Manchester United experienced a fierce rain battle in the last Rose derby, which must have lost its vitality, and this game is under the physical disadvantage, it is suitable to fight conservatively to prevent the reverse from taking the state and winning steadily.
Offensive and defensive deployment
Defensively, the combination of Varane and Maguire is believed to be able to withstand the attack of the opponent's two crosses. However, atletico Madrid's oppression and rapid organisation have effectively brought trouble for Manchester United. United's midfield needs to be tight, and the front of the defensive line, in addition to Scott McTominay and Fred, also needs B Fee and Pogba to return to protect them from being attacked by the opponent's fast attack or counter-attack.
Offensively, a quick attack or counterattack is certainly one of the ways, and I believe that C Ronaldo, Pogba, plus Rashford in the last rest, can still create a certain impact.
"Brainless Tactics"
The other way is to use "brainless tactics" to try to make C Luo exert his extremely strong headstick attack ability in more or less position warfare time. Atletico Madrid's defence is not good at facing crosses from the flanks, often failing to break free when there are enough centre-backs, or even finding defensive targets. Cristiano Ronaldo's head hammer is able to target Atletico Madrid's defensive weaknesses, which is one of the reasons why he tends to "restrain" Atletico Madrid.
Manager Ralph Lonnick took out Alex Tres and Darroch, presumably the pair of full-backs who are better at crossing will start this battle. In addition to the defenders on both sides, B Fee can cross from the right, while Pogba can play on the left and cross from the left. When the team attacks on the right, Pogba can also insert into the penalty area to take advantage of his height as a second receiving point for the cross, in case Cristiano Ronaldo is targeted.
summary
All in all, United should respond to the game with a physical disadvantage, first do a good job of defense, and then look for opportunities to attack quickly, counterattack and cross. This time away to Atletico Madrid, the younger brother thinks it is acceptable for Manchester United to remain unbeaten. As for whether he can win, it also depends on how the coaching team and players play, whether Ronaldo will reproduce the true color of the king of the ball and the performance of Atletico Madrid.
