Russia (bbabo.net), - One of the most exciting matches of the 1/8 finals of the Champions League will take place in Madrid on Wednesday: Atlético will host Manchester United.

By the start of the playoffs of the main European Cup, both teams are not in the best shape. Yes, at the weekend both Atlético and the Red Devils won victories over Osasuna (3:0) and Leeds (4:2), respectively. But the results of recent months of some of the giants of European football are disheartening: Madrid are in fifth place in the Example, having lost virtually all chances to defend the league title, and the Mancunians recently flew out of the FA Cup and in the very near future risk falling outside the Champions League zone in the national championship.

This season is perhaps the most difficult for Atletico in 11 years that Diego Simeone is at the helm of the team. On the one hand, the “mattress” for the eighth time out of nine with the Argentine reached the playoffs of the Champions League, but on the other hand, as already noted, the club lags behind the leaders of the Spanish championship. In this "La Liga" Madrid conceded 33 goals - the worst result during the work of Simeone, and yet there are still 14 meetings ahead.

It is possible that Simeone will say goodbye to Atlético this summer. According to Cadena Ser, the management of the "mattress" and the coach himself want an early termination of cooperation. Diego believes that not everyone in the club supports him. Simeone is extremely dissatisfied with the rumors about Atlético's talks with another coach. This makes him nervous and uncomfortable. In turn, the Rojiblancos bosses do not doubt the skills of the Argentinean, but believe that there is no connection between him and the players.

Interestingly, Manchester United showed their interest in inviting Simeone almost immediately. The current head coach of the Mancunians Ralf Rangnick will step down at the end of the season. Among the possible candidates for the vacant position are the names of various specialists, and one of them is Simeone.

Atletico management is unhappy with the results of the team and is ready to fire coach Diego Simeone. The main contender for the Argentine - "United"

However, it is unlikely that Simeone is thinking about something else right now, except for the Champions League. About the tournament, in which this coach reached the final twice, but both times lost to the principal rival - "Real".

- In the group stage, the guys showed their character, having managed to get the desired result in the last round against Porto. No matter what anyone says, Atlético have a fighting spirit. So recently we survived a heavy blow, losing at home to Levante (0:1). We had only a few days to prepare for the duel with Osasuna, a very strong opponent. And we came out, scored three points and showed great football. That's what I need, - said Simeone.

Like Atlético, the Champions League is Manchester United's only chance to win a trophy this season. But, frankly, it is not yet clear, due to which Rangnik's wards are going to win the trophy. The Red Devils are extremely unstable, and the other day in the British media they started talking about a split in the dressing room. Allegedly, Cristiano Ronaldo practically does not communicate with team captain Harry Maguire and wants to take the armband for himself. In this case, Ronaldo is supported by several players, including his compatriots - Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes, while the rest of the players, mostly English, are on the side of Maguire.

In the second pair of Lisbon "Benfica" will take "Ajax". The Amsterdam team scored the maximum 12 points in the group stage - only Bayern and Liverpool can boast of such an achievement. In six matches, the club from the Netherlands scored as many as 20 goals, defeating Borussia Dortmund 4-0. Since then, Ajax have not become weaker, they are in the lead in the domestic championship and are ready at least to repeat the result of 2019, when the red-whites reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.

- In such a tournament as the Champions League, it is difficult to win even one match, not to mention six victories. But we are well aware that there are no weak teams in the playoffs. Benfica is an experienced fighter. At the same time, I am sure that no one would like to get us as rivals. We showed our class in the group and now we are ready for more, - said Ajax helmsman Erik ten Hag.

Interesting facts

- Atlético and Manchester United meet for the first time in over 30 years. Their only matches took place in the 1991/92 Cup Winners' Cup - at home the Spanish team won 3:0, and the match in England ended in a draw (1:1).

- Atlético have played in the Champions League group stage for the ninth consecutive time and for the 12th time in total. According to this indicator, "mattress" share the third place among the Spanish clubs with "Valencia". Only "Barcelona" and "Real Madrid" played in the group stage more often (26 times each).- This season, "MU" in the 24th time played in the group stage of the Champions League - a record among English clubs. The Red Devils made it to the playoffs for the 19th time, which is also a national record. At the same time, United did not participate in the Champions League playoffs last season.

Where will we watch

February 23, Wednesday, "Match TV"

22.45. Atlético (Spain) - Manchester United (England). Live Stream.

"Match! Football 1"

22.45. Benfica (Portugal) - Ajax (Netherlands). Live Stream.

bbabo.Net