Real Madrid will host Manchester United in one of the biggest games this season in the Champions League. This is first leg of the round of 16, being played at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. The game is scheduled to start at 1945 GMT on February 14, 2013.
Los Blancos and the Red Devils will be looking to get their quest for the most coveted European Trophy back on track when they take each other on in a highly unpredictable and possibly enthralling game.
The last time Real Madrid had their name printed on the trophy is way back in 2002 and United’s last victory was in 2008. It is very surprising that both these football powerhouses have not had much success in this competition over the recent past.
Two of the greatest tactical minds in the world will also resume their rivalry as Jose Mourhino will take on Sir Alex Ferguson in a game that will need a lot of calculated and strategic change throughout the ninety minutes. Emotions will be flying around as Cristiano Ronaldo will come face to face with his former team and beloved Manager Sir Alex Ferguson for the first time since leaving the club.
Mourhino will breathe a sigh of relief as Pepe, Xabi Alonso and Raphael Varane will all be available and fit to play in this game, but will still miss club captain Iker Casillas due to a broken thumb. Sami Khedira, Angel Di Maria and Mesut Ozil were all rested over the weekend and are all likely to be in the starting eleven for this game.
For Sir Alex Ferguson defenders Phil Jones and Jonny Evans will have to go through a last minute medical that will deem them fit as they both picked but small niggles over the weekend. Darren Fletcher is definitely out, but Michael Carrick and speedster Ashley Young have recovered from their respective injures and are fit and raring to go.
Front men Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney will have to show to the world that they are capable of playing under immense pressure as well and will have to somehow continue their great partnership that they have displayed all season shown in the English Premier League.
Sir Alex has emerged victorious on only two occasions out of 14 against his Madrid counterpart Mourhino and will have a tough task in this away game.
Expected Line-ups:
Real Madrid: Antonio Adán , Arbeloa, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo, Xabi Alonso, Khedira, Di María, Özil, Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema.
Manchester United: De Gea, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidić, Evra, Carrick, Scholes, Valencia, Rooney, Kagawa, R. van Persie
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Manchester United