Atlético Paso vs A Madrid III - Segunda División RFEF - Group 5

The history between Atlético Paso and A Madrid III lends this Segunda División RFEF - Group 5 fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on September 19, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. Anderson was pointing out that City had held the whip hand in this fixture "for as long as I've known", which isn't exactly inaccurate but will also fan the flames ahead of Sunday's Old Trafford showdown.

Atlético Paso head into the contest positioned 14th in the Segunda División RFEF - Group 5 standings, while A Madrid III arrive sitting 11th. Atlético Paso are in the midst of a difficult spell, DL in their last five summing up a win rate of 0%. A Madrid III have travelled reasonably well, LW over their last five with a season win rate of 50%. One side has leaned on a miserly defence, the other on a free-scoring attack, and the meeting of those contrasting strengths promises an intriguing tactical subtext. In his latest column, Paul Merson predicts the 2026/27 Premier League season at both ends of the table.

The touchline duel between the two managers adds another layer of intrigue, with both likely to tweak their setups in search of a decisive edge. Schalke were third bottom for possession in winning the second tier, let alone facing Bayern.

The fixture is likely to be shaped by its key performers, with creative midfielders and clinical finishers on both sides capable of turning the game in an instant. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. The Dutch midfielder only signed last summer but had a frustrating year under Pep Guardiola and is looking likely to leave amid interest from Nottingham Forest, Newcastle and Galatasaray.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. The numbers tilt towards A Madrid III, and a 0-1 away win looks the more probable outcome. More than just three points is on the line at the home ground — this is a fixture that could shape the narrative of both clubs' seasons. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Liverpool's midfield wasn't great last year but I expect Florian Wirtz to have a better season, 100 per cent.