UCL: Manchester United vs Real Madrid Preview

Manchester, Mar 5: Jose Mourinho said the world will stop to watch tonight's Champions League match between Manchester United and Real Madrid while Sir Alex Ferguson felt it cannot get any bigger than this as his side prepare to take Ronaldo and Co at Old Trafford.

Manchester United vs Real Madrid Predictions" title="Manchester United vs Real Madrid Predictions" />Manchester United vs Real Madrid Predictions

Ronaldo returns to his former club for the first time since his record breaking move in 2009. The Portuguese scored the equaliser in the first leg which ended 1-1 at the Bernabeu. Real need to score to stand any chance of progressing to the quarter-finals.

United secured a crucial away goal in the first leg which could be the difference if Real fail to score. But Mourinho's side are coming into this game after two consecutive victories over rivals Barcelona in the space of five days. United, who were lucky not to concede more goals thanks to the brilliance of David De Gea, will back on home support and their unbeaten run in the league.

All eye will be on Ronaldo and the United players are aware of his talent which are well suited for big occasions such as this. United supporters may pay tribute to their former star who scored 118 goals in 292 appearances but will fear the same player can knock of them off Europe.

But the Los Blancos will fear the attacking duo Wayne Ronney and Robin van Persie. After going close to score a potential winner in the first leg, United will have a trick up their sleeve to unlock the weaknesses of Real's defence.

Team News

Phil Jones will miss the clash at Old Trafford due to an ankle problem. The 21-year old played a crucial role in midfield in the first leg. Ryan Giggs, who will play his 1000th senior match if he plays against Madrid, missed Saturday's win over Norwich but Ferguson said the veteran would play a part against Real.

Van Persie, Patrice Evra and Danny Welbeck all suffered heavy knocks against Norwich but all returned to training ahead of today's clash.

Real do not have any injury fears except Iker Casillas who is training with the squad but is unfit to play. The Spain keeper has been out since January with a fractured wrist. Real's attacking trio Mesut Ozil, Angel Di Maria and Ronaldo were benched against Barcelona but are expected to start against United.

Trivia:

*The last time these two sides met in April 2003 Manchester United won 4-3 but Real Madrid progressed 6-5 on aggregate. Ronaldo (Brazilian) scored a hat-trick.

*These clubs have met in four previous European Cup ties with the winners going on to lift the trophy on three occasions.

*Ryan Giggs is set to make 1000th appearance i senior football.

Probable Lineups:

Manchester United (4-4-2): De Gea-Rafael, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra-Carrick, Giggs, Nani, Young-Rooney, Van Persie.

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Lopez-Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao-Alonso, Khedira-Ozil, Ronaldo, Di Maria-Benzema.

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