Manchester United travel to Madrid for Champions League clash with Atletico

United arrive after a 4‑0 win in the opening round, while Atletico chase the La Liga title.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 12 Oct 2026 18:52:47 GMT

Manchester United will travel to the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid for their Champions League group‑stage match against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 21:00 local time (19:00 GMT), according to Al Jazeera Sport.

What happened

United secured a 4‑0 victory over Sabah in their opening Champions League fixture, marking the club’s first appearance in the competition since the 2023 season. Atletico, meanwhile, have been in strong form in La Liga, challenging Barcelona for the league lead.

What the reports add

Al Jazeera notes the clash will be only the fifth meeting between the two clubs and the third in the Champions League, with Atletico sitting second in La Liga, five points behind leaders Barcelona, after winning six of their eight league games.
Atletico’s recent form includes a 2‑1 defeat to Liverpool in their opening Champions League match, while United’s 4‑0 win over Sabah puts them fourth in the Champions League group.
Al Jazeera’s match‑day preview highlights Alex Baena and Jonathan David as key attackers for Atletico, and Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo as United’s main threats.
The Standard reports that 21‑year‑old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, a first‑team regular under Michael Carrick, withdrew from the England Nations League camp to manage his load after a heavy start to the season.

What was said

"Having a boss like Carrick who has won everything here and seen the glory times, I want to bring that back," Mainoo told Amazon Prime, as quoted by the Standard.

"I want to feel that feeling. I want to win and I want to win a lot. That’s my dream, for this club to be at the top again," he added.

"My first season was my first glimpse of Champions League football and I was 18. I’d come on against Bayern and Galatasaray. I came in the late stages and we were out. I was like ‘I need to feel that again. I need to be under those lights again.’"

How it came about

United’s mixed domestic start – 12th in the Premier League with six points from six games – contrasts with their strong expected‑goals performance, topping Squawka’s xG table after five matches. Tactical criticism of Carrick’s decisions, such as Gary Carragher’s remarks on a late substitution in a recent league loss, has added pressure ahead of the European outing against a high‑performing Atletico side.

Key facts

Manchester United will play Atletico Madrid at the Estadio Metropolitano on Oct. 13, 2026. (aljazeera.com)
United won their opening Champions League match 4‑0 against Sabah. (standard.co.uk)
Atletico are challenging Barcelona for the La Liga title. (aljazeera.com)
Kobbie Mainoo said his dream is to help United win the Champions League and return to the top of English football. (standard.co.uk)