Tag Archives: red devils

Mar 5 2013

Manchester United 1-2 Real Madrid: Victory Sees Madrid Advance to Quarter Finals

Manchester United 1-2 Real MadridHaving drawn 1-1 in the first leg of this match, it was finally time for these two squad, undoubtedly giants in their respective leagues, to meet again for the decider. Playing in Manchester (and more specifically at Old Trafford) is never easy for any club, regardless of how well they’re doing elsewhere. It is the arena in which such giants are tested and tested well.

Both Manchester United and Real Madrid went into this game at the back of some very encouraging wins from their respective domestic leagues; probably the more confident were Real Madrid, having beaten Barcelona twice in one week! Not that defeating Norwich City by four goals was easy for Manchester United either, but I don’t think it would be realistic to place Norwich City and Barcelona on the same level, in as much as they’re not a weak team!

So, I think that it’s only fair to say that Real Madrid were, perhaps, readier for the Manchester Giants! United, however, had playing at home as an advantage, and a huge one as they were leading on away goals.

The first half was more or less dominated by Real Madrid on possession, although Manchester United had, by far, better chances. Diego Lopez received some decently tricky strikes, but he somehow just managed to survive; he was certainly the busier one of the goalkeepers in the first half.

Real Madrid had complete control of the game in the first few minutes, but whenever their hosts had a chance to break, they put their very strong defense to the test, and when all else failed, Diego Lopez, was there to make the save. Iker Casillas, perhaps, wasn’t a crucial one in this match up to this point.

Danny Welbeck was probably the man of the half on the Manchester United side for his effectiveness in front of goal. Cristiano Ronaldo was man-marked for most of the first half, although he continued to shine and try to create chances as always.

Manchester United 1-2 Real MadridThe man of the half on the Real Madrid side for me was Diego Lopez, because he managed to save his side more than one time from going down. Although he made some bad mistakes, he made sure to correct them later on. To the delight of many fans, Kaka had to come on right before the half for an injured Angel Di Maria, but the Madrid game didn’t change so much from how it had been until then.

The second half, for the most part, was more or less a Real Madrid game. They had more possession, better chances, and were definitely quicker. Manchester United took the lead early in the second half when Sergio Ramos scored an own-goal. It seems that all it took was a little wake-up call (in the form of a goal) for Madrid to turn things around.

Los Blancos seemed to have gotten back after a controversial decision by referee Cüneyt Çakır to send Nani off for a bad challenge on Arbeloa; a decision that wasn’t well received by Sir Alex and his camp. The home side’s lead became short-lived when the first Madrid away goal came almost 10 minutes later after Luka Modric (who had come on for Arbeloa) scored a magnificent goal for his side.

Things were, at this point, now looking up for the visitors, who seemed to own the pitch right after this goal. Just 3 minutes later, Cristiano Ronaldo added another one to just about seal things off.

For about the final 20 minutes of the game, Real Madrid were the more comfortable side, challenging to add to their tally and only being prevented by a strong United defense led by Rafael (as well as the woodwork). Real Madrid were just not satisfied!

At 10 minutes before full-time, Manchester United took off Welbeck (who had been absolutely brilliant) for Ashley Young in an attempt to make a miracle happened and win the game. Unfortunately for them, a strong Diego Lopez was still hanging on for his side right until the final whistle.

Manchester United 1-2 Real MadridThere were a few attempts from the home side in the 5 minutes that were added on, but at this point, Real Madrid were already through to the Quarter Finals.

Statistic-wise, Real Madrid had overall more possession (61% against their hosts’ 39%). Manchester United had a total of 18 attempts against Real Madrid’s 21. The Red Devils had the better chances overall. 5 yellow cards were issued between the two teams; 2 to the hosts and 3 to the visitors. Luis Nani was the only player to be sent off during this match.

Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho lined up the following squads:

Manchester United Starting XI:

De Gea, Evra, Ferdinand, Vidic (c), Giggs, Carrick, Rafael, Welbeck, Nani, Van Persie, Cleverley

Subs: Lindegaard, Evans, Kagawa, Rooney, Chicharito, Young, and Valencia

Real Madrid Starting XI:

Diego Lopez, Varane, Sergio Ramos (c), Coentrao, Ozil, Khedira, Xabi Alonso, Di Maria, Arbeloa, Ronaldo, Higuain

Subs: Adan, Albiol, Callejon, Benzema, Modric, Pepe, and Kaka

Final Score: Manchester United 1-2 Real Madrid (Agg: 2-3)

Sergio Ramos (OG) 48′; Modric 66′, Ronaldo 69′

Quarter Finals

Having eliminated Manchester United, Real Madrid are now through to the Quarter Finals of the UEFA Champions League. Their opponents will be announced following the drawing set to be held on 15 March in Nyon.

Written by Ange Marline

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Mar 4 2013

Manchester United vs Real Madrid: Who Will Emerge Victorious in Epic Clash?

Arguably the most mouth-watering of ties in the Champions League Round of 16 will be contested this Tuesday, where Premier League side Manchester United will take on Spanish Giants Real Madrid at Old Trafford. It’s Ferguson vs. Mourinho, Rooney vs. Ronaldo, Los Galatictico’s vs. The Red Devils. A true clash of the titans.

First Leg Review

Cristiano RonaldoThe first leg of this largely anticipated Champions League tie ended in a 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on 13 February. The result was deserving of both teams, as they were nearly inseparable for the duration of the match. It could have easily gone in either side’s favor, but the draw makes this Second Leg even more exciting and heart-wrenching for fans of either squad to watch!

The match-up saw Cristiano Ronaldo make his first appearance against former club Manchester United since his departure from the club, and he marked this important event with a goal. Unfortunately for Madrid, though, Danny Welbeck also managed to etch his name onto the scoresheet, ending it in a draw and leading up to their Champions League rematch this Tuesday.

Fabio Coentrao was inches away from putting Madrid up on the 5th minute thanks to a fingertip save, but Welbeck ended up being the one who opened the scoring on the 20th minute. United’s first real opportunity of the match turned out to be successful, as Welbeck caught Rooney’s corner with a powerful header that found the back of the net.

United used Real’s weaknesses in set-pieces to their advantage, as Welbeck’s simple goal sent United fans into total chaos and jubilation. Considering the importance of the away goal in the UEFA Champions League, it will be crucial to United’s efforts in qualifying for the Quarter Finals if it ends in a draw on aggregate following the Second Leg.

But Madrid managed to respond quickly, as Ronaldo scored a similar header into the corner following a cross from Di Maria at the half hour mark. It was 1-1, and the game was far from over.

Yet neither team managed to net another in the final 60 minutes of the match, although both sides had their chances. De Gea made an unorthodox yet vital save for United, as he kicked Coentrao’s shot away from the goal as the Portuguese midfielder exploited a gaping hole in the United defense. Meanwhile, Van Persie had two great chances within the span of only a minute, but was unsuccessful, ending the game in a heated 1-1 draw and placing United as favorites to advance with an away goal advantage.

Preview

Injuries

Neither squad have picked up many major injuries, although some important players will be missing this match.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side will be playing without Fletcher, Scholes, and arguably most importantly, defender Phil Jones due to recent injuries. Meanwhile, Madrid will most likely be without legendary goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas at this Champions League clash, due to a hand injury.

Form
Manchester United: WDWWW, Real Madrid: DWWWW

Manchester United 1-1 Real MadridBoth squads have had similar records in their last 5 matches, picking up 4 wins and a draw apiece. They will certainly be in the best of form as the enter Tuesday’s match.

Manchester United have gone their last 18 matches in all competitions unbeaten, all of which were crammed in a very short amount of time. Most recently, United recorded comfortable victories over Norwich City (4-0) and QPR (2-0).

Meanwhile, despite an upset to Granada at the start of February, Madrid have certainly bounced back. They beat Sevilla with a 3-goal margin (4-1), as well as Barcelona two times in the past week, the first of which ended in a 3-1 win (Copa del Rey) and the second with the score of 2-1 (La Liga).

Facts
Real Madrid:
  • Angel Di Maria has managed 4 assists against Manchester opposition this season: 3 against City and 1 versus United.
  • This season, Real Madrid have racked up a total of 103 goals in 43 matches.
  • The last time Los Blancos played at Old Trafford ended in a 4-3 loss, but the Spanish Giants moved on due to a 6-5 win on aggregate.
Manchester United:
  • Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson does not have a great record playing against Jose Mourinho, winning only 2 times in a total of 15 matches.
  • Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho has never recorded a win at Old Trafford.
  • The Red Devils are on track to managing a treble this season, with their FA Cup, Premier League, and Champions League chances still very much alive.
Key Players

Manchester United 1-1 Real Madrid£24 million pounds? Injury prone? Past his day at 29? All these questions where thrown about the day Manchester United got their man Robin Van Persie. It was a gamble but my God did it pay off! Having already scored 19 goals in 28 games in his debut season, RVP  has been seen as the man to guide United to their 20th title. He will certainly have a say in both legs.

But the man everyone will be watching, a man who gained international recognition at his time with United, is none other than Portuguese International Cristiano Ronaldo. Sure, Real Madrid have a whole host of threats that could hurt Manchester United, but their main attacking asset will be Ronaldo. He has scored an amazing 39 goals in his 40 games this season, many times even single-handedly winning matches for Madrid. He is one of the best players in the world at the moment, having tallied up an impressive 24 goals in 25 starting appearances for Madrid this season. He may have Sir Alex Ferguson ruing the day he once let him go.

This is the first time Ronaldo will be returning home to Old Trafford after leaving the Red Devils for Los Blancos, and it will certainly be an emotional match for him as well as all supporters of Manchester United. But whether you love him or hate him, all football fans will definitely be excited to see Ronaldo make his epic return to United ground this Tuesday.

Prediction

I’m definitely finding it hard to predict this match-up. My heart says United, but my head says Real. Now that United have the away-goal advantage, Madrid will need to do everything possible to eliminate this advantage and advance forward. Like the First Leg, this game can easily go in either squad’s favor, but what I will say is that whichever team that advances will likely reach the Champions League Final, and maybe even go through to the end and win the ultimate prize!

Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Real Madrid (AET) (Agg: 3-2)

Written by FutbolPulse

Feb 24 2013

QPR 0-2 Manchester United: Red Devils Cruise Past QPR with Comfortable Away Win

QPR vs. Manchester UnitedThe full-back slammed a stunning half-volley into the top corner from 25 yards to put United ahead in the 23rd minute on a cagey afternoon in west London. Ryan Giggs sealed the points for the league leaders 10 minutes from time as he beat QPR’s offside trap to sweep the ball home.

The only concern for United will be the apparent back injury that forced top scorer Robin van Persie off five minutes before half-time after a collision on the touchline.

QPR manager Harry Redknapp recalled much-criticised defender Jose Bosingwa for the first time since December 9, with Fabio ineligible against his parent club, while Bobby Zamora led the attack for the hosts.

United started with a strong line-up as Van Persie returned to partner Chicharito in attack while Wayne Rooney was well enough to take a place on the bench after suffering a virus. Redknapp called for a cup-tie atmosphere before kick-off as he targeted 20 points to guide QPR to safety, and the crowd responded as they backed their side and jeered the league leaders, particularly Ashley Young after the winger’s dive to win a penalty against them last term.

After a tepid start to the game, United took the lead in the 23rd minute with a goal that came from absolutely nowhere. Julio Cesar parried away Van Persie’s initial cross-cum-shot and the ball fell for Rafael to crack an outstanding half-volley into the top corner from 25 yards. The Brazilian will likely never score a better goal in his life.

At the other end, Rafael was on hand in the 35th minute to deny QPR an equalizer as he cleared Christopher Samba’s header off the line from Esteban Granero’s corner. United immediately counterattacked and a swift move, which ended with Cesar producing a fingertip save to keep out Van Persie’s cushioned volley after the Dutchman latched on to a cross from Rafael.

It was the Dutchman’s last real involvement of the afternoon as he was substituted five minutes before the break with a back injury he appeared to pick up in an innocuous collision with a photographer in the build-up to United’s opener.

QPR vs. Manchester UnitedThe action barely picked up in the early stages of the second half and Redknapp responded on the hour mark by bringing on January signing Loic Remy for the injured Zamora. The Frenchman almost made an immediate impact when he cut in from the left and saw his powerful near-post shot saved by David de Gea in the United goal.

Yet as QPR attacked, the game opened up for United on the counter-attack and Sir Alex Ferguson’s side took the advantage 10 minutes from time. Nani played in Giggs and the 39-year-old used all of his experience to beat the offside trap and slot his finish past Cesar.

Moments later, the Welshman nearly scored a second of the afternoon as his mis-hit shot skied into the air and inadvertently hit the crossbar. But by then the result was beyond doubt as United stroll towards the title.

With yet another win, Manchester United sit atop the Premier League table with 68 points from their 22-2-3 record. They are a comfortable 15 points ahead of Blue counterpart Manchester City, while, Chelsea sit far below in 3rd with 49 points. Meanwhile, QPR sit in a devastating 20th (last) place on the table from their 2 wins, 11 draws, and 14 losses this season. They are clearly in a relegation battle, and will likely be relegated to the Championship the following season.

Written by Pierre Sanz