Manchester United are expecting Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane to be singled out for a hostile reception in the Wanda Metropolitano by Atletico Madrid fans on Wednesday night because of their history with cross-city rivals Real.
United’s interim boss Ralf Rangnick warned that ‘some of the players will not be received with the red carpet’ in Madrid just three days after his team were attacked by Leeds supporters at Elland Road.
Ronaldo and Varane both won the Champions League four times with Real – twice beating Atletico in the final – and the 37-year-old Portugal star also became the club’s record goal scorer.
Ahead of the last 16 clash, Rangnick said: ‘Mentally, we need to be prepared for an emotional, hostile atmosphere in the stadium.
‘Some of the players will not be received with the red carpet. But we're looking forward to this game in order to play in stadiums like tomorrow and in three weeks at Old Trafford.
‘Tomorrow is about getting the best possible result. I don't think the fixture will be decided tomorrow. It will be decided in the second leg.’
Spanish champions Atletico are currently fifth in La Liga after a difficult season. Star players Antoine Griezmann and Luis Suarez are only expected to be fit for the bench, while Matheus Cunha and Yannick Carrasco have been ruled out due to a knee injury and suspension respectively.
But Rangnick is still expecting a typically ferocious challenge from Diego Simeone’s team in what will be the first meeting between the two coaches.
‘Diego Simeone has won trophies with a clear identity and a recognisable playing style. I don't think this has changed in the last years,’ added Rangnick, who confirmed that Edinson Cavani will miss the trip as he continues to recover from a groin injury.
‘There's an emotional side that reflects the manager. Diego Simeone is one of the most emotional managers in Europe and the style his teams have always performed reflects those emotions he tries to bring to the team.
‘We need to match the emotions and energy in both games and I will try to prepare our team for that challenge. It will be physical and emotional. We have to be mentally strong in both games, more so away.
‘We've never played each other yet but I've always admired what he's done at Atletico and I'm looking forward to those two games we're playing.’