State of play in Champions League Group F

Defeat for the Reds at Villarreal could certainly set up a tense final night, when even success against Young Boys may not be enough to ensure a smooth passage on 10 points.

Providing Atalanta beat Young Boys, they would be on eight points and could obviously reach 11 if they also see off Villarreal in Bergamo. That would leave United and the Yellow Submarine level, a point adrift, and if Villarreal manage to win by more than one goal they will progress with a better head-to-head record. With away goals no longer counting, a single-goal margin would then bring goal difference into play – they are currently three better off.

Hence, the probable worst-case scenario is a loss by more than a goal to Villarreal as they would be guaranteed a place in the last 16, irrespective of their result against a highly motivated Atalanta team that would also qualify if they secure two wins.

Avoiding such a headache is, therefore, crucial and winning both games would clinch top spot for the Reds and a stress-free route into the latter stages of the competition. Indeed, a draw in Spain and final-night victory would take us up to 11 points and that would also be enough to win the group.