Atletico Madrid host Manchester United in Champions League test as both sides seek European lift

Atletico Madrid welcome Manchester United to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Tuesday for the second matchday of the Champions League league phase, with both teams under pressure to strengthen their European campaigns.

The match in Madrid kicks off at 19:00 GMT on 13 October 2026.

It will be shown on Canal+ Foot and myCANAL in France; SuperSport Premier League and New World Sport in sub-Saharan Africa; DAZN and Proximus Pickx in Belgium; Blue Sport in Switzerland; Ziggo Sport in the Netherlands; Movistar Liga de Campeones in Spain; Paramount+ and beIN XTRA in the United States; beIN Sports in North Africa; and DAZN in Germany, Italy, Portugal and Austria.

Head-to-head record

Atletico have lost only twice in their past 19 home matches against English clubs, recording nine wins and eight draws during that period.

They also remain unbeaten in their four most recent competitive meetings with Manchester United, winning twice and drawing twice.

The latest encounters include Atletico’s 1-0 victory at Old Trafford in the Champions League on 15 March 2022, following a 1-1 draw in Madrid on 23 February. The Spanish side also won 1-0 in a friendly on 30 July 2022.

Manchester United recorded a 2-1 friendly victory over Atletico Madrid on 1 August 2026. The same fixture is listed twice in the recent meeting record, as are the matches from 30 July 2022, 15 March 2022, 23 February 2022 and 3 November 1991. The 1991 Cup Winners’ Cup meeting ended 1-1.

European form

Atletico Madrid travel into the game after extending their winning run in La Liga to four matches. However, Diego Simeone’s side need to respond in Europe after opening the league phase with a 2-1 defeat by Liverpool.

The challenge is complicated by Atletico’s broader recent record against English opposition. They are facing an English club for the sixth time in eight matches and have won only two of their past 15 meetings, alongside three draws and 10 defeats.

Manchester United are also searching for improvement, with manager Michael Carrick facing intense scrutiny after the club’s worst league start in four decades. Their latest domestic match ended in a 1-1 draw against Tottenham, who had been reduced to 10 players.

United’s European form offers some encouragement. Their 4-0 win against Sabah Baku in the opening round extended their run to six consecutive victories in the league phase of European competition.

Prediction and odds

Atletico are considered the favourites, helped by their usual strength at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano and a fully available squad. Manchester United are dealing with several absences and uncertainty in the league, leaving them facing a difficult task against Simeone’s side.

The match odds listed are 1.91 for an Atletico Madrid win, 3.80 for a draw and 3.70 for a Manchester United victory.

Africafoot’s prediction is Atletico Madrid to win 2-1.