Real Madrid host Manchester United in a blockbuster UEFA Champions League tie featuring two of the most famous and successful clubs in world football. Join us for live scores and commentary from 6.30am AEDT
United’s reward for topping their UEFA Champions League group is an extremely difficult round of sixteen tie with nine-time champions Madrid.
Although many would deem it an advantage to play away from home first up, United will be in for a torrid time at the Santiago Bernabeu as Madrid look to blow the Premier League giants away, much like AC Milan did last season when they hosted Arsenal.
Milan beat the Gunners 4-0 at the San Siro last year and Madrid certainly possess the players necessary to inflict a similar scoreline on Sir Alex Ferguson’s men if they are not careful.
Having given up all hope on the La Liga title, Madrid really only have the Champions League and Copa del Rey to play for this season so expect Jose Mourinho’s men to really come out firing against the Red Devils.
Prediction
If United hope to secure a priceless score draw or win, their first half performance will have to be exceptional against a Madrid side that will be eager to start quickly.
United should take a leaf out of Borussia Dortmund’s book and play on the counter attack, given the German team’s success at the Bernabeu earlier in the year.
With Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Persie and Antonio Valencia in fine form, United can certainly hurt Madrid on the counter, and if they can score an early goal against the run of play, Madrid have the potential to really open up.
Although Madrid defenders Pepe, Sergio Ramos and Arbeloa are solid, they are not known for their speed and United’s preceding trio should have their measure if they are given space to roam.
Of course many viewers will be interested to see how Cristiano Ronaldo performs against his former club.
Despite admitting that his time at United was the most enjoyable of his career, Ronaldo will relish the opportunity to put the red devils to the sword, so expect the Portuguese superstar to really feature prominently tonight.
Its no secret that Madrid have had an indifferent season to say the least, but they certainly possess the superior players on paper and one just fancies them to really hit their stride tonight against United.
Real Madrid to win 3-1.
Neuen
Roar Rookie
Madrid just need 1 and they are back initi at Old Trafford. 2 United on the back foot
Midfielder
Guest
Fozzie will be pleased
Alan
Roar Guru
Well United take a very valuable score draw back to Old Trafford after playing very well here at the Bernabeu against a Madrid side that started well and appeared well on top in the second half, but faded as the game wore on. De Gea was very solid for United in-goal while Welbeck proved tough to handle for Madrid's defence. Van Persie however left his shooting boots at home after hitting the bar from close range and then mishitting a volley in the second half with the goal at his mercy. Ronaldo got on the scoresheet but he was quite in the second half aswell. When Di Maria came off, Madrid just weren't as threatning in attack in my opinion. That was a big change by Mourinho and one that played right into United's hands. All to play for at Old Trafford. United have the advantage but Madrid can certainly win away from home. Thanks for your company tonight. Madrid 1 United 1
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME: Not enough time for the corner. Madrid 1 United 1
Alan
Roar Guru
92' - United now win the freekick late here and what a moment this would be if they were to score. Pepe clears though but Jones finds Van Persie who shoots and forces a save from Lopez. Corner to United Madrid 1 United 1
Alan
Roar Guru
91' - Ozil wins the freekick and Madrid press for the winner here but United maintain great structure in defence. Modric now with a good low cross and Ronaldo fails to connect after Jones does well to clear the ball away from danger Madrid 1 United 1
Alan
Roar Guru
90' - Game has died down here and United well on course to securing a great score draw here and a deserved one at that. Three minutes to be added on now Madrid 1 United 1
Alan
Roar Guru
89' - Have to say that Modric has added very little since coming on. Bad decision to take off Di Maria in my opinion. Madrid just don't look that threatning in attack now Madrid 1 United 1
Alan
Roar Guru
88' - Well it was about this moment in time that Madrid scored two late goals against City in the group stages. Will history repeat itself here? Madrid 1 United 1
Alan
Roar Guru
87' - De Gea clears now for United as Ramos yet again falls over holding his hands to his face after Valencia catches Ramos with his elbow. Yellow card Madrid 1 United 1
Alan
Roar Guru
86' - Madrid win the throw now and build from the back here. United have performed very well defensively tonight and have had the better chances in the second half despite Madrid dominating possession Madrid 1 United 1
Alan
Roar Guru
85' - Modric goes on a good run before getting fouled. Ronaldo very quite in the second half but he has a chance with the freekick now from distance. Ronaldo's shot goes just over the bar. Great freekick Madrid 1 United 1
Alan
Roar Guru
SUB UNITED - Anderson comes on for Rooney. Madrid 1 United 1
Alan
Roar Guru
83' - Great tackle by Giggs on Ozil one on one and he then wins the freekick soon after. Great play from the Welshman. SUB MADRID - Pepe comes on for Alonso. Very defensive from Mourinho Madrid 1 United 1
Alan
Roar Guru
82' - Ozil cannot control the return pass from Varane and United win the throw deep in Madrid territory. United just minutes away from securing a huge score draw here Madrid 1 United 1
Alan
Roar Guru
CHANCE UNITED - Giggs with a great opportunity there as the ball falls for him in the area but the Welshman took too much time on the ball and Madrid recover well. Madrid 1 United 1
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - Modric with a good ball to Arbeloa out wide who crosses in but Evans heads away well. Corner to Madrid. United though survive and Rooney's ball goes out Madrid 1 United 1
Alan
Roar Guru
CHANCE MADRID - United clear now and Valencia looked to be fouled there by Coentrao. Madrid though back on the attack as Ozil continues to hold possession before finding Khedira who shoots but De Gea with another strong save. Madrid 1 United 1
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - Modric now in midfield with space. United though defending well with good structure thus far. Khedira runs downfield now and wins the corner Madrid 1 United 1
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - Higuain gets a low shot away and De Gea is forced to dive to his left and save easily. United now win the throw in Madrid's half Madrid 1 United 1