Champions League Preview: Atletico Madrid face stern Man City challenge in the 2nd leg

English champions Manchester City will have another date with destiny as they will travel to the Wanda Metropolitano to face Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League. 

Pep Guardiola's side will come into the game with their noses in front courtesy of a Kevin De Bruyne strike in the first leg.

Opponents Atletico Madrid had a weekend setback after they lost to Real Mallorca 0-1, but will be eager to put those performances behind to book a place in the semi-final.

Atletico Madrid vs Manchester City: Head to Head

Last week's first leg was the first time these two teams met in European competition, with City drawing first blood through Kevin De Bruyne's solitary goal. 

Both Manchester City and Atletico Madrid were the respective domestic champions last season and will be equally poised to make the final four. 

Manchester City have previously visited the Spanish capital three times, facing Real Madrid and won on their last visit to the city in the pre-pandemic era. On two other occasions, City have ended on losing terms.

Player Analysis | Luis Suarez vs Kevin De Bruyne

The Uruguayan Luis Suarez has rejuvenated his career ever since he left Barcelona for Atletico Madrid, he won the La Liga title last year and has continued his impressive spell. 

However, that spell is only limited to domestic competition as he has notched only one goal in the Champions League while scalping 11 goals and two assists in La Liga.

The veteran Suarez though knows exactly how to exploit the City defense having played against them during his Liverpool days. The 35-year-ole recently helped Uruguay qualify for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar where he scores eight goals in the qualifiers.

Kevin De Bruyne is on a hot streak at the moment as the Belgian was instrumental in his side's 1-0 win at the Etihad stadium. 

The goal was his first of the Champions League campaign, while he has 11 in the Premier League, one of which came at the weekend against Liverpool. 

De Bruyne has been a real powerhouse in the midfield engine of Manchester City over the last few years as he contributed to their recent dominance. 

Alongside his 11 goals in Premier League, he has three assists and will be a huge difference-maker if City are to make the semis.

Atletico Madrid vs Manchester City: Weekend Round-off

While City's game with Atletico is sandwiched between two Liverpool games, the first of which ended in stalemate at the Etihad on Sunday. 

City twice led but Liverpool fought back twice to pick a well-deserved 2-2 draw, a result which has kept the Premier League title charge alive in all aspects. 

However, it wasn't positive news for Atletico Madrid on the weekend as Diego Simeone's side last 0-1 to Real Mallorca, ending their six consecutive matches La Liga winning run. 

They are fourth in the La Liga standings and are struggling to get back into next season's Champions League, but have already knocked out the red side of Manchester, so morale will be high in those regards.

Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1-0 Manchester City (Atletico Madrid to win 5-4 on penalties)