The last time Real Madrid came calling to Old Trafford, a man named Ronaldo stole the show with his brilliance. That was the Brazilian striker, nicknamed 'El Phenomeno', who scored a quiet magnificent hat-trick that sealed United's fate in that season's UEFA Champions League at the Quarterfinal stage.
That magnificent treble saw the Brazilian receive a standing ovation at the famous Stretford End in appreciation of his display. Now, 10 years later, Real return to Manchester with another Ronaldo in their ranks - Cristiano Ronaldo. And boy is he going to receive a reception from the United faithful; even before the start of the game.
Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Manchester United for the first time since his 80 million pound move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2009. While, it broke many a fan's heart to see him go, there is absolutely no doubt that he his loved and adored for his marvellous contributions to the Red Devils' success in his 6 seasons with them. The boy wonder who left Manchester returns an Unstoppable force of Nature.
The tie is evenly poised after the first leg at the Bernabeu between the two sides ended 1-1. Ronaldo did score in that game, pulling Madrid back on level terms with a 'hang-time' header after Danny Welbeck had put United ahead. Man United have the away goal and would seem to hold a slight advantage as Real have to score while a goalless draw would suit Sir Alex Ferguson's side just fine. But, as anyone who has had the opportunity to witness the two teams in action since the first leg would tell you, the possibility of that happening is lower than the sight of Rio Ferdinand outrunning Cristiano Ronaldo in a straight sprint.
FORM
Real since the draw, have enjoyed a stellar month of football winning all 4 of their games including 2 back to back victories against arch rivals Barcelona. What would be a welcome source of relief to boss Jose Mourinho would be the return of some rhythm in Madrid's game and the attacking prowess on display with Argentine winger Angel di Maria coming into his own to support Ronaldo up front.
The Red Devils too have been perfect winning all 3 games even with leading scorer Robin Van Persie on a bit of a drought. The Dutchman who failed to put away a glorious chance in the first leg that would have surely put his side in the driving seat has now gone 4 games without a goal and United fans would be hoping he bucks the trend in tonight's game against Los Blancos.
TEAM NEWS
Captain and goalkeeper Iker Casillas is the only notable absentee for Jose Mourinho's side as he recovers from a broken hand with all the other major players available for selection.
Phil Jones, who had a standout game at the Santiago Bernabeu, is ruled out of the game with an injury, but you wouldn't be surprised to see him feature as Ferguson has been known to pull a fast one. The young Englishman was one of the key cogs in United's away performance as they managed to see off the danger of Ronaldo and his colleagues. Ferguson has mentioned that veteran Ryan Giggs will feature in tonight's clash deeming it the perfect setting for the Welshman to make his 1,000th international appearance.
KEY BATTLES
Real Madrid love to play on the counter; they are happy to concede possession and let the opponent have the ball confident in their abilities to score on the counter punch. The speed and guile with which they break is breathtaking as Barcelona found out recently when they were left chasing shadows. United like to play expansive football at home bringing the full backs and wingers into play, but having scored the away goal would not be too reluctant to keep it tight early.
Ronaldo will without doubt hog a fair share of the limelight on his return and it will be interesting to see how the home side's right-back Rafael fares against him in Round 2; the Portuguese the clear winner in Round 1. Also, in Jones' absence, Ferguson would have to decide whether to bring in Tom Cleverley or Giggs to partner Michael Carrick in central midfield.
Mourinho is likely to field the same side that took to the field in the 1st leg with the impressive Raphael Varane in defence alongside Sergio Ramos. Sami Khedira and Xabi Alonso would sit in midfield allowing Mesut Ozil to roam up front just behind the striker with Ronaldo and Di Maria patrolling out wide.
Shinji Kagawa and Nani have put in impressive performances to boost their chances of selection for the big game as Ferguson ponders who to pick as wingers with Welbeck also in the mix as he is known to track back and help out in defence in addition to being a threat from set pieces. Wayne Rooney has also quietly hit a purple patch of sorts scoring as well as setting up goals.
Carrick and Alonso will set the direction for their respective sides and that midfield tussle along with how well Rafael and co. deal with the returning Ronaldo will go a huge way in deciding the course of this contest.
Real this season have scored in every away game and it does look like United will need to score 2 at the minimum to guarantee progress. On the flip side, Madrid are yet to keep a clean sheet on their travels and that would give United a fillip.
Ferguson has failed on two previous attempts to get past Real, in 1999-00 and the 2002-03 seasons, both in the quarterfinals. He will look to set that record straight tonight. Mourinho who is rumoured to leave Madrid at the end of the season will be keen to sign off on a winning note claiming Europe's top prize with a third different team.
Ronaldo, Van Persie, Rooney, Ferguson, Mourinho. If that ain't an A-list cast, then nothing is. A starry night at Old Trafford beckons; a packed Theatre will turn up to witness some of the finest Actors in football's world stage. And at the end of it all, when the final whistle blows, one team would be able to continue the pursuit of its dreams while the other would have them shattered.
LIKELY XI's
Man United: De Gea, Evra, Ferdinand, Evans, Rafael, Giggs/Cleverley, Carrick, Kagawa, Welbeck, Rooney, Van Persie
Real Madrid: Lopez, Coentrao, Varane, Ramos, Arbeloa, Alonso, Khedira, Ozil, Di Maria, Ronaldo, Higuain/Benzema
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