Atletico de Madrid to host Manchester United at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on October 13 in Champions League

Atletico de Madrid will host Manchester United at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on October 13 (BST) in their second league phase game of the UEFA Champions League 2026-27. The match will see Diego Simeone’s side take on Michael Carrick’s team in what both clubs will view as an important early group-stage fixture.

Atletico were outplayed by Liverpool in their opening UCL game and have since responded with four consecutive LaLiga wins, one of those against Real Madrid, leaving them still in search of a first European victory this season. As the home side, Los Colchoneros are expected to try to control the game from the start and restrict Manchester United’s chances on goal.

Manchester United returned to the UEFA Champions League with a 4-0 victory over Sabah FK in their opening game but have failed to secure a win in their last four domestic matches, most recently drawing 1-1 with a 10-man Tottenham Hotspur. The Red Devils will face the additional challenge of playing away and will require more efficiency in the final third to claim a result in Madrid.

Alejandro Grimaldo has been one of Atletico’s most consistent performers this season, scoring in both of the club’s last two matches; the article notes the 31-year-old’s work rate on the left flank will be important again. The report also highlights Bryan Mbeumo’s versatility, noting he can play on the wing and is capable of operating as a striker.

The piece records that "the 27-year-old was the sole goalscorer for Manchester United in their 1-1 draw against Spurs." It also states: "Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu, Tom Heaton, Manuel Ugarte and Matthijs de Ligt are not going to be in action for Manchester United due to their injuries." The article lists the following lineups: Oblak (GK); Pubill, Romero, Hacko; Llorente, Barrios, Koke, Simeone; Lee, Baena; Alvarez Lammens (GK); Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot; Tielemans, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Rashford; Cunha.

With Atletico’s current run of form and the advantage of playing at home, the preview gives the hosts a slight edge and notes Manchester United’s recent domestic underperformance as a concern; the piece concludes that Diego Simeone’s men are likely to come out on top. Prediction: Atletico Madrid 2-1 Manchester United

The Riyadh Air Metropolitano will host this Champions League fixture on October 13 (BST). Broadcast options listed in the article are India: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV and UK: TNT Sports, Amazon Prime, BBC.