Champions League preview: Manchester United travel to Atletico Madrid, while holders Chelsea entertain Lille in the last 16

After an impressive showing from the English sides last week, Manchester United and Chelsea start their Champions League knockout campaign looking for a similar showing.

Manchester United travel to the Spanish champions

Ralf Rangnick will take charge of his first Champions League knockout tie at Manchester United on Wednesday night when they head to Atletico Madrid.

The Red Devils face an inconsistent Atletico who have only won three from their last eight in all competitions. The Wanda Metropolitano Stadium is never an easy place to visit and Rangnick`s side will have to be at their very best to come away with an advantage for the reverse fixture.

Chelsea welcome a lacklustre Lille

Current holders Chelsea host an out of form Lille as they look to defend their Champions league trophy. The Blues come into Tuesday’s tie unbeaten in six games after their win 1-0 win at Crystal Palace.

Despite having a torrid time in Ligue 1 this season, Lille managed to top group G. The French side could pose a real threat with a good blend of young talent and some experienced heads throughout the squad.

Villarreal face a rejuvenated Juventus

£62million signing Dusan Vlahovic is set to make his Champions League debut for Juventus on Tuesday night when they travel to Villarreal.

Managed by Unai Emery, the Yellow Submarine are a real threat in the knockout stages. The Spanish coach has won four Europa Leagues since 2014 including lifting the trophy last year with Villarreal.

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has already been a runner-up twice with Juventus, so Tuesday’s tie will be an important step as he looks for European glory.

Ajax visit Benfica 

Finally, Ajax will travel to Portugal as they look for a repeat of their 2018-19 campaign that saw them reach the semi-finals. They have started this season’s competition on fire winning all six of their group games.

However, in the round of 16 they will face a Benfica side that helped dump out European giants Barcelona in the group stages. Out of the Portuguese title race and cup, Benfica will want to give the Champions League knockout stages a real go as they look to reach the quarter finals for the first time since 2011-12.

By Bryce Densham