FINAL SCORE: Manchester United 1 v Real Madrid 1
MADRID (Sporting Alert) – Manchester United and Real Madrid played to 1-1 draw in the Champions League round of 16 first leg at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.
Watch Manchester United 1 v Real Madrid 1 Highlights
Danny Welbeck gave Man United the lead in the 20th minute with a fine header, but former Manchester United attacker Cristiano Ronaldo levelled things up ten-minutes later with a brilliant header to setup another exciting contest in the second at Old Trafford.
As expected, Ronaldo opted against celebrating his goal against his former club, while acknowledging the applauds from the Real Madrid supporters after scoring.
“I was in Manchester for six years so tonight was very emotional for me,” he said.
“I scored a goal but I didn’t celebrate out of respect.
“Maybe United are favourites now, maybe not. Anything can happen.
“Sometimes we are better away than at home so we will see.
“It will be amazing to play at Old Trafford again after four years. It will be another emotional night.”
Sir Alex Ferguson was quick to slam Patrice Evra for not covering Ronaldo when he headed home the equalizers, but admits that he “felt a bit stupid” after seeing the replay.
“I blamed Patrice Evra for not challenging for his goal until I saw the replay and felt a bit stupid.
“His knee is about as high as Evra’s head – phenomenal.
“I don’t think any other player in the world can do that, certainly not Messi.”
In the other game on the night, Shakhtar Donestk and Borussia Dortmund played to an interesting 2-2 battle with all to play for in the second leg.
Darijo Srna’s fabulous free-kick gave Shakhtar the lead in the 31st minute, but striker Robert Lewandowski grabbed Dortmund’s equalizer four minutes before the half time whistle.
Shakhtar went ahead again, this time through substitute Douglas Costa, but Borussia Dortmund found the equalizing goal again, with defender Mats Hummels finding the net in the 87th.
