Manchester United vs. Atletico Madrid Prediction and Odds (Back Ronaldo and Co. to Win)

Both Manchester United and Atletico Madrid are looking for a better result than their previous match that ended in a 1-1 draw. The second leg of the Round of 16 takes place at Old Trafford and gives Man United a much-needed leg-up on Atletico Madrid. The stakes in this game are much higher and I expect a better game overall. One of the biggest stories heading into this game is the return of Cristiano Ronaldo from injury. In his return, the Portuguese superstar scored a hat-trick against the Tottenham Hot Spurs on Saturday.  I think any questions about his health can be put to bed. The Los Rojiblancos, meanwhile, won three games in a row after the Round of 16 Leg 1 against Celta Vigo, Real Betis, and Cadiz. They outscored those teams 7-2. While Man United is a better team than any of those three, it was nice to see Madrid roll over them without much drama. Here are the odds for this UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Leg Two matchup, courtesy of WynnBET. 

Manchester United vs. Atletico Madrid Odds and Over/Under

3-Way Moneyline: 

• Manchester United: +120
• Atlético Madrid: +260
• Draw: +220

Over/Under: 2.5 (Over: +120/Under: -150)

Manchester United vs. Atletico Madrid Prediction and Pick

The winner of this game will make it to the next stage of the tournament and stakes don’t get much higher than that. Win or go home is a pretty good motivator. When I was first looking at this match I was full-on anti-Man United based on their struggles over the last month or 8. But, Ronaldo’s performance over the weekend cannot be ignored and it has changed my perception of this match.

As many football fans are aware, most of Ronaldo’s defining moments in the sport have come in the Champions League. He has a number of hat tricks over the years and he obviously was locked in during his last game. Ronaldo was pretty quiet in the first game of this series but now has a chance to put his team into the next round with a bit of luck. He just did the same thing for Man United in the EPL by saving their season with a win. And while I don’t see another hat trick in his future, Ronaldo will be the horse that this team rides to victory. 

PICK: Manchester United +120 to win