PREVIEW: Atlético’s fading defensive fortress offers Manchester United an opening in Madrid

Manchester United head to Madrid on Tuesday to face a familiar obstacle: Diego Simeone's Atlético Madrid, a side whose European reputation was built on defensive discipline. Yet the Metropolitano no longer looks quite so impenetrable. Atlético kept 31 clean sheets in their previous 49 Champions League home games under Simeone, according to Opta. Since the beginning of 2024, however, they have shut out opponents in just one of 15 European home fixtures. The atmosphere remains intimidating, but visiting teams are increasingly finding ways through. The shift comes at a curious moment for United.