Atlético Madrid vs Man United preview, H2H, team news: Lookman targets Red Devils upset

It is time for Atlético Madrid vs Man United at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid on Tuesday, October 13, in matchday 2 of the UEFA Champions League league stage, with kickoff set for 8:00 pm WAT.

Diego Simeone’s side show up on the back of a four-match winning run that followed their opening defeat to Liverpool, while Michael Carrick’s United have actually not won in 4 matches throughout all competitors because beating Sabah on matchday one.

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman becomes part of Simeone’s team for the check out of United, though current group news indicate him beginning on the bench, with Julián Álvarez and Giuliano Simeone favoured to lead the home attack from kickoff.

Match Facts · Atlético de Madrid vs Manchester United

Competitors: UEFA Champions League, League Phase (Matchday 2)

Date: October 13, 2026

Kickoff: 8:00 PM WAT (21:00 regional)

Place: Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid

Referee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)

League positions: Atlético de Madrid 2nd (La Liga)· Manchester United 12th(Premier League )

Last conference: Manchester United 2-1 Atlético de Madrid (pre-season friendly), August 1, 2026

Nigeria connection: Ademola Lookman (Atlético de Madrid, Super Eagles forward)

Atlético Madrid vs Man United: Form guide

Atlético have actually won 4 matches in a row given that a 2-1 loss at Liverpool opened their European project, consisting of a 3-0 win at Real Sociedad, a 4-0 knocking of Osasuna and a 2-1 derby success over Real Madrid.

The run continued with a 2-1 return success at Alavés on October 10, Cristian Romero scoring the winner in the 87th minute.

United have actually gone the other method, winning just their opening Champions League component, a 4-0 thrashing of Sabah, before 4 matches without a win throughout all competitors, the current a 1-1 draw with Tottenham in which Dominic Solanke equalised in the 92nd minute for the 10 guys visitors.

That winless run likewise consists of a League Cup exit to Brighton and a derby defeat to Manchester City in which United played over an hour with a guy benefit, results that have actually left Carrick under early pressure at Old Trafford.

Carrick’s side sit 12th in the Premier League, while Atlético inhabit 2nd location in La Liga with the weekend round still insufficient.

Atlético Madrid vs Man United: Head-to-head

Atlético de Madrid and Manchester United have actually satisfied 6 times in all competitors, with 3 wins for the Spanish side, one for United and 2 draws, an aggregate rating of 8-4 in Atlético’s favour.

The 2 sides last satisfied in a pre-season friendly in Stockholm on August 1 this year, which United won 2-1.

Their last competitive conference can be found in the last 16 of the 2021-22 Champions League, when Atlético drew 1-1 in the house before winning 1-0 at Old Trafford to advance.

That tie is now more than 3 years of ages and brings little bearing on a United side rebuilt under Carrick and an Atlético side that has actually included Cristian Romero, Alejandro Grimaldo and Morten Hjulmand considering that completion of last season.

Atlético Madrid vs Man United essential fight: Lookman’s effect danger versus a mobile Dalot

Lookman, having a hard time for more Atletico Madrid minutes this term, has actually scored when in all competitors for the Spanish club. He has actually not been amongst Simeone’s automated choices in attack, with Álvarez, Giuliano Simeone and Álex Baena the favored cutting edge in current lineups.

His possible intro after the hour mark, nevertheless, might choose the video game, with the flexible Nigeria worldwide efficient in playing off either flank to attack area left by a tiring back 4.

The likeliest challenger is Diogo Dalot, the United right-back who has actually brought a heavy work currently this season, with Noussair Mazraoui a doubt, there’s little cover offered amongst the full-backs.

If Atlético require a stimulate in the closing phases, as they did versus Alavés, Lookman’s speed in behind a tired United defence is their most direct path to a late objective.

Surprisingly, Lookman has actually handled just one profession objective in 3 looks versus Manchester United. The Super Eagles forward’s particular strike can be found in the colours of Everton in a 2-1 Premier League defeat in January 2021.

Lookman is yet to commemorate a win over the Red Devils in his profession, suffering one loss and 2 attracts 3 previous efforts.

Atlético have a near-clean expense of health, with just Pablo Barrios a doubt through a muscle injury, while Alexander Sørloth and Julián Álvarez have actually both recuperated from the knocks that kept them out in September.

United have a prolonged absentee list, with Tom Heaton, Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Dorgu and Manuel Ugarte all dismissed, while Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo are doubts, and Benjamin Sesko is a physical fitness gamble after a shin issue.

Lookman himself brings no physical fitness issues and is completely offered, a rotation choice for Simeone instead of a doubt.

Soccernet decision