On United’s draw at Real Madrid

It was the game that everyone was watching; the game of the tie. If everyone was indeed watching, they would not have been disappointed, that is for sure. A classic European night ended almost in the same vein as it started – all square. However, there were two goals scored and if the book is to be believed, it is advantage United.

MADRID, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 13: Robin van Persie of Manchester United applauds the fans at vthe final whistle during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between Real Madrid and Manchester United at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 13, 2013 in Madrid, Spain.

As expected, Jose went with a 4-2-3-1 with the only semi-surprise being the inclusion of young Varane in the centre of defence alongside Sergio Ramos, with Arbeloa and Coentrao on the flanks. Khedira partnered Xabi Alonso in the middle of the park and the pair of them playing behind Ronaldo, Ozil and Di Maria with Benzema up top.

While Real’s line up was not far from what was expected, everyone was glued on the Manchester United team sheet to see what Sir Alex had put out. The first surprise was the inclusion of Evans partnering Rio at the heart of the defence. Perhaps Vidic is still not ready to play two games in the space of a few days but no one could dispute that, given his performances thus far this term, Jonny deserved a place in the starting line up.

In midfield was where Sir Alex had to decide how United would go about the game. The weekend game at Everton was no anomaly. It was indeed Jones who partnered Carrick in the middle of midfield with Welbeck and Rooney on the left and right respectively. Kagawa played in more advanced role, often running ahead of van Persie in the first half.

The game started off sprightly and for the most part, continued in the same vein. While it was Real who were looking the more threatening with brilliant inter-play from Ronaldo, Ozil and Di Maria, it was United that struck first through a Danny Welbeck header – a goal out of almost nothing on 20 minutes.

Real, however, refused to be bucked down and eventually, ten minutes later, the inevitable happened – Ronaldo scored. He rose majestically and put away a header past the despairing dive of the outstretched De Gea, who had kept things on an even keel earlier on in the game with a stupendous save to push a Coentrao shot onto the post. One-one at the half hour mark and that was the way it stayed.

Clearly, Real were the dominant force but United’s defence more than held its own. Jones stuck to his task of manning Ronaldo dutifully and it was a change in wing that caused the goal to be scored. Rooney did a fantastic job for the team once again, sacrificing personal ambition for the greater cause, helping Rafael keep tabs on Ronaldo.

The second half got underway with both teams going at each other in much the same way as they did in the first. Real attacked and United played on the counter. Real worked some excellent positions at the edge of the box but the United defence coped admirably, and when they were beaten, De Gea made sure that he pulled out all the stops to ensure that United did not concede another.

MADRID, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 13: David De Gea of Manchester United makes a save with his foot during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between Real Madrid and Manchester United at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 13, 2013 in Madrid, Spain.

As the game wore on, both teams looked to take a bit more time on the ball and in accordance, the game did slow down a tad. This was, perhaps, also owing to the fact that with the second leg still to play, neither wanted to lose another goal.

In the closing moments, however, United and in particular van Persie had a couple of glorious chances to ensure a United victory. His first shot was pushed over the bar by Diego Lopez and his second one was one that he would, on current form, have put away with consummate ease. However, this was the one time when that surety of feet did desert him and Xabi Alonso cleared off the line.

In the end, the game provided all that was expected of it and more. There were thrills galore and there was both excellent attacking play and brilliant defence on show. On the balance of it, United have an advantage to take home to Old Trafford but Real always score, don’t they?

Well, Jose expects them to for sure so we can be rest assured that the second leg will be as exciting as the first.

Final score: Real Madrid 1 – 1 Manchester United.

Men of the Match: David De Gea (Manchester United); Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid)