Diego Costa and Didier Drogba: Birds of the same feather that will not fly together

Diego Costa is the new Didier Drogba

Right through Atletico Madrid’s title-winning season last year in the Spanish La Liga, Diego Costa was front and centre as far as their attacking ambitions went. He scored 36 goals in all competitions including 8 in Europe as Los Colchoneros also made their way to the showpiece final of the UEFA Champions League against Real Madrid in Lisbon.

Even before the Spanish season could end, there were murmurings that Chelsea were reportedly lining up a bid for Costa in an attempt to get over their weakness in the striking department (read Fernando Torres and Demba Ba). And he did eventually make his way across the English Channel from Atletico after the Blues met his £32 million release clause.

Considered by many to be the missing piece of Chelsea’s jigsaw in their quest for glory, Costa has been a revelation so far having racked up 10 goals already, all of them in the Premier League. He seems to be a perfect fit for Jose Mourinho and his team in every way and he has the fans plush with excitement at the possibilities this current season holds for them.

So much so that he is already being compared to another striker who plied his trade at Stamford Bridge for many, many years, one of a similar mould, a club legend who guided Chelsea to possibly their greatest night ever two years ago in the summer of 2012.

Didier Drogba spent 9 seasons at Chelsea before signing off on an absolute high as a Champions League winner after that magical night in Munich. In that time he established himself as one of the top true centre-forwards of the decade and made it a habit of manhandling opposition defences. He’s back this year for a second stint, revelling in almost a god-like status amongst the Chelsea faithful who never get tired of chanting his name when he’s on the pitch.

Drogba probably sees a lot of himself in Costa and with good reason. Their styles of play are very identical, both tough, physical players very good in the air and at muscling defenders around. They make sure that the opposition’s centre-backs have their hands full whenever they’re around. Their ability to keep possession under pressure with their backs to goal is another trait that the two share.

So far this season, barring the game at Goodison Park, when Costa’s been on the pitch, Drogba hasn’t and vice-versa. And that looks to be the definitive pattern as far as Chelsea are concerned despite some sections of fans wanting to see the two marauders play in tandem more. The truth is, it just wouldn’t help Chelsea any better if they did, not under Mourinho.

Trademarks of Mourinho teams

Over the years, from Benfica and FC Porto to Chelsea to Inter Milan to Real Madrid and back to Chelsea again, Mourinho’s teams have borne some common trademarks. Almost all of his teams have players who are strong, powerful, organised and disciplined. Amongst other things, all of these teams also had a strong, powerful centre-forward in the mould of Costa and Drogba in their ranks.

The other is defence. Mourinho builds his teams on strong defences, and that’s not necessarily a negative thing as some people may make it out to be. He knows that good defences win championships and he has been consistent with that approach throughout his career. And as he builds his sides up from the back, the midfielders and forwards are an extension of that style in the forward areas of the pitch.

Diego Milito was the lone forward for Jose at Inter Milan

There are certain requirements that Mourinho has of these centre-forwards. He uses them as focal points, and hence the necessity for them to be physically strong and be able to hold their own against opposing centre-backs. As a focal point, the forwards are the target of long diagonals from defence and midfield and that’s where ability in the air comes into play.

The other aspect of their role as a focal point is to help relieve pressure when they are under attack by holding up possession in forward areas, thereby a) helping to keep opposition defences who push up at bay, and b) allowing his teammates time to get back into their positions since his teams traditionally defend deep. Drogba’s excellence at this was one of the reasons that helped Chelsea grind out results in tough situations.

Set pieces is another long-running element. Every time Chelsea win a corner or a free-kick, the opposition is immediately on their heels for they know the danger that they pose with the likes of powerful headers such as John Terry, Gary Cahill, Branislav Ivanovic, Nemanja Matic and, of course Costa, at their disposal. Not only is the centre-forward integral in attacking set pieces, but also in defending them as we’ve seen countless times when Drogba and Costa have headed away the threat.

Five midfielders

Mourinho also prefers attacking by creating width with the use of quick and skilled wide players. Two players playing either side of the forward wide on the flanks is a necessity – Eden Hazard, André Schürrle, Willian and sometimes Oscar play those roles in this new Chelsea linking up with Costa just like how Arjen Robben, Joe Cole and Adrian Mutu used to do with Drogba. That combined with Mourinho’s desire to play with a double pivot in midfield ensures that he has to play five midfielders at the least. Matic and Cesc Fabregas sit in that deeper role today with Oscar playing ahead of them.

Cesc Fabregas (left) and Nemanja Matic play the double-pivot in midfield

When he feels the need for added protection, he brings on John Obi Mikel or Ramires to go alongside Matic, pushing Fabregas further forward while shifting Oscar wide right.

Retaining control of that central zone whether in possession or not is one of the keys to Mourinho’s strategy and that’s why playing the extra forward is not an option save as a desperation move when in need of a goal.

The presence of a physical centre-forward usually means that he will not be as quick as some of the other forward players (unless you’re Cristiano Ronaldo) and that’s another reason Mourinho never plays two such identical players together for then his team’s quickness takes a hit.

‘The Special One’ is a big fan of the counter-attack and it is the quick players who help him make that transition from defence to attack in a flash.

Why get Drogba then?

Drogba was sensational in the fact that most of the time he required the attention of both centre-backs, consequently helping in dragging them out of position so that the others would have space to run into.

Costa’s been doing something similar so far, in continuation from his body of work while with Atletico. With both opposition centre-backs already being engaged by just one player, Mourinho gains a huge tactical advantage, negating the need for another front man.

Which actually brings us to the acquisition of Drogba. While many considered the move to be nothing more than a goodwill placebo, Mourinho actually got in a suitable back-up for Costa, one who knows the system inside out and who comes with a wealth of experience behind him.

The frugal minutes is a given, but then again, it suits a veteran perfectly. Which is why you’re more likely to see Loic Remy being thrown on in support of Costa when Chelsea are gunning for a goal than Drogba. Remy is the supplement, Drogba is back-up.

“Look, if I have a triangle in midfield—Claude Makelele behind and two others just in front—I will always have an advantage against a pure 4-4-2 where the central midfielders are side by side.

 because I will always have an extra man. It starts with Makelele, who is between the lines. If nobody comes to him he can see the whole pitch and has time. If he gets closed down it means one of the two other central midfielders is open.

If they are closed down and the other team’s wingers come inside to help, it means there is space now for us on the flank, either for our own wingers or for our full-backs.

There is nothing a pure 4-4-2 can do to stop things.” – A quote from Mourinho during his first stint as Chelsea manager

In short there’s another term for when you play two such centre-forwards, it’s called 4-4-2 – the system he exploited and annihilated when he first arrived in England.

Fantasies are one thing and while it certainly would be quite a sight to witness Costa and Drogba making life hell for defenders at the same time, the reality is that Mourinho’s machinations will not allow for it. Jose doesn’t do 4-4-2!

Has Jose Mourinho's availability brought about Sir Alex's retirement earlier than expected?

26 years. 39 major trophies. A stand to his name.

Sir Alex Ferguson has decided to call time on his career after ushering Manchester United to one final hurrah as they reclaimed the Premier League crown from rivals Manchester City.

Club sources earlier this week revealed that Ferguson has been booked in for a hip operation in the month of June which would force him to miss the early part of next season. However, for most of this year, both Ferguson and club towed a different line altogether with both saying that he intended to continue atleast for another year or two.

So, what changed in between?

I believe that Jose Mourinho's availability and desire to return to England has brought about Sir Alex's retirement a year earlier. Here's previewing Mourinho's likely arrival at Old Trafford along with that of some other potential candidates who have been touted around.

JOSE MOURINHO

Both the United board and Sir Alex probably waited to see the developments at Real Madrid. Their progress in the UEFA Champions League and Mourinho's 'will he won't he?' move has been the centre of all cynosure. Now that Real are out and Jose has indicated his desire to manage in a place where "he is loved" has opened up possibilities.

Jose's desire to take the Old Trafford job has been an open secret. Reports coming out from the club suggest that the successor has been in talks with Sir Alex for quite some time now. We all know that the 'Special One' shares a good friendship with the gaffer and the two managers hold each other in high regard.

Real Madrid played Manchester United in the Round of 16 in this year's Champions League. After United went out of the competition, losing 2-1 to Real Madrid in their home leg, Mourinho's comments had all the bearings of  someone who potentially saw himself managing the club one day.

For long, Mourinho's case for United has been sidetracked by some saying that he is not a long-term option and that he likes to do short spells of not more than 3 years. Well, this could very well be exactly that. Mourinho coming to United is definitely for a short spell, possibly a 3-year contract.

United's robust system put in place by Fergie will ensure that United remain contenders for the Premier League even with change of personnel. But, it is Europe where the bigger prize lies. And if ever there is a more qualified manager to try and deliver on that holy grail, it is the Portuguese.

Another thing that looks like a good match is that the current United squad plays a much more direct and efficient brand of football much like most of Jose's regular teams. Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich went in for an overhaul last year with the players that were bought as well as the managerial choices in an attempt to bring about a more flamboyant brand of football. Would Mourinho really be the ideal manager for such a system? Someone like Juergen Klopp is perhaps better attuned to such needs.

In addition, there is a very strong likelihood of this being a double swoop which brings not one, but two Portuguese stars to Old Trafford, both of whom are managed by Jorge Mendes. Cristiano Ronaldo may well accompany his current manager and return to England. Both of them are managed by football 'super agent' Jorge Mendes, who also happens to manage Anderson and Nani among others. Ushering in arguably his 2 biggest clients into the gates of Old Trafford could very well see him take Ando and Nani out of the club.

In the long-term it does appear that a United legend and one of Fergie's favorite sons, either of Bryan Robson, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer or even Ryan Giggs will take over the hot seat on a more lengthy tenure. In the meantime, Mourinho, a manager with the personality and credentials to match Ferguson's could well be endowed with overseeing a short phase of transition at Old Trafford.

JUERGEN KLOPP

Borussia Dortmund have reached the finals of the Champions League knocking out Mourinho's Real Madrid. It marks the culmination of a journey that began about 5 years ago for both the club and their manager Juergen Klopp. We might be seeing the end of a cycle at Westfalenstadion too and 'Kloppo' as he his referred to could be moving on to another assignment.

Klopp would be a strong second favorite after Mourinho. The German coach is very good in nurturing young talent as evidenced not only in his current stint with Dortmund, but also from his time as manager of Mainz earlier. Sir Alex in his time at Old Trafford has overseen the prominent rise of many a talented youngster from David Beckham to Cristiano Ronaldo and now Phil Jones. Klopp would be an ideal choice in further forwarding that ideology.

The Borussia Dortmund manager may also be inclined to leave as there is a very real possibility that Dortmund could fail to hold on to most of their key players. Mario Goetze has already signed for Bayern Munich and Robert Lewandowski's departure is imminent. Ilkay Gundogan, Mats Hummels and Marko Reus have also been linked with moves away from the Black and Yellow.

If it is indeed to be Klopp, it could represent a more long-term option than Mourinho and someone who would be entrusted with building up the next great Manchester United side. And, like with Mourinho, i believe that with Klopp too it could be a double swoop. Shinji Kagawa is already at Manchester United and Polish striking sensation Robert Lewandowski could well accompany Klopp through the hallowed gateways of Old Trafford if the German tactician does come on board.

DAVID MOYES

And what about the other Scotsman whose reported to be a strong favorite to succeed his legendary countryman? Moyes has long been touted as a possible replacement when Fergie did decide to hang up his managerial boots. He has been part of the Everton project for a long time and with minimal resources has ensured that Everton compete for European places every year.

He is also know to be a good man-manager, like the Gaffer, and someone who manages to get the best out of his players. What could go against him is his lack of European experience and his ability to manage the dressing room egos that abound at Old Trafford.

We're set for a very intriguing 48 hours ahead as Manchester United have announced that Ferguson's successor is to be named in that time frame. The footballing fraternity will be waiting with bated breath to see just who is in line to take over from the footballing institution that is Sir Alex Ferguson. The Scot has been known for many a master-stroke, his last one would surely not be any different.

Real Madrid ease to a comfortable home win over Galatasaray

It was a perfect day at the office for Jose Mourinho and his boys as they emerged from their Quarterfinal 1st leg versus Galatasaray with a near perfect result. 3 goals giving them a sizable advantage going into the 2nd leg in Istanbul and no away goals conceded.


Fabio Coentrao and Raphael Varane, who were both doubtful before the game, were passed fit and took the field for Madrid. Michael Essien came in for Alvaro Arbeloa at right back in the only change to the starting XI from the side that played Manchester United in both games. Cristiano Ronaldo scored the customary Champions League goal for the 4th consecutive game in a row. It was a beautiful finish from the Portuguese who chipped it over the onrushing Fernando Muslera after receiving a neat through ball from Mesut Ozil.

Galatasaray though showed plenty of adventure and were not content on sitting back. Felipe Melo in the middle of the park had a very good game for the visitors. He was involved in most of the good work and the Turkish side showed good attacking intent as they tested Diego Lopez in the Madrid goal with some long rangers. However, playing such an open game they fell prey to Real's scythe like attack on the counter. Angel Di Maria had another good Champions League outing and Fatih Terim's side were finding it difficult to contain the runs of Ronaldo and Di Maria. Karim Benzema then added the second for the home side, when he chested down a Michael Essien before effecting a cool finish at the near post.

Despite going 2 goals down, Gala still strove forward looking to attack and had a decent spell of possession before half-time, but couldn't break down the Madrid defence where both Sergio Ramos and Varane had another excellent game. But, in the second half, it was all Madrid as Galatasaray faded with their players looking fatigued and their lack of experience at this stage. Real did not really have to get out of third gear and were in cruise control and soon got the third of the night when substitute Gonzalo Higuain, who had come on for Benzema, headed in Xabi Alonso's free-kick.

A job well done for Mourinho that sees Madrid with one foot already in the semi-finals as Galatasaray will need nothing short of a miracle to overturn this one. And they will have to do it without their ace marksman Burak Yilmaz, who picked up a yellow for simulation, when replays actually showed that a penalty should have been awarded for Ramos's stamp on the Turkish forward. Ramos did pick up a yellow eventually, with some claiming it was intentional, just like 2 years ago in order to clean his slate before the semis. But, the gulf in class between the 2 sides was evident on the night and it might be one that Fatih Terim and Galatasaray may not be able to bridge even in front of their home fans in Istanbul.

A Real Gala Affair

Joyous midweek if you are a football fan with passions (and tension) running high. The starry European nights are here, the very reason why Sir Alex Ferguson claims he is reluctant to hang up his boots just yet. For 3 of the Quarter-finalists tonight - Malaga, Galatasaray and Borussia Dortmund - it marks a special occasion indeed. They are in the business end of the UEFA Champions League and that doesn't happen very often.

Real Madrid are in pursuit of the 'Decima', a 10th European crown. Madrid are the royalty of Europe already, but a 10th title would just push them into an exalted status altogether. For Jose Mourinho, it's the dream of a 3rd crown with as many teams, something that nobody has ever achieved before. With Barcelona running away with the league title, all of Madrid's energies are focused on claiming the big European prize. They were very close last year, going out agonizingly on penalties to Bayern Munich in front of their home fans. And Mourinho and his men would look to make that final step this year.

Cristiano Ronaldo is doing what Cristiano Ronaldo does - scoring goals, making plays, defying gravity to hang in the air, you name it. He is joint top scorer in this year's competition with 8 goals. He shares that mantle with a guy who he will line up against tonight, more on him later. An emotional encounter with his former club Manchester United in the previous round was a dicey one, but Real pulled through and he scored 2 goals to help them on their way. They have stuttered in the league, but then again it's understandable considering where their priorities lie.

What bodes well for them is the return to form of current captain Sergio Ramos and the emergence of teenager Raphael Varane that has strengthened the defence. The duo were Madrid's standout players in the tie against United and especially in the 2nd leg were the 2 best players on the pitch along with keeper Sergio Lopez. They still struggle when they are given the ball and forced to dictate the play and United exploited this weakness very well.

What they do have in plenty is goals and electric pace up top with Ronaldo, Angel di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain forming a lethal trio that can tear into any side. They were before yesterday, the best attacking side along with Bayern having scored 19 goals in 8 games. Once again the first leg is at home, and Real will be keen to put this tie to bed right here, right now before embarking on their trip to 'Hell'.

Turkish football is always associated with emotionally charged passionate crowds, colorful and vibrant atmosphere and players and managers who tend to play with their hearts on their sleeves. Fatih Terim, 'the Emperor' as he is called, has steered Galatasaray into the final 8. And whatever folks may say, they have earned their right to be here. You must be doing something right when you have the competition's joint leading goal scorer in your ranks. Burak Yilmaz has been on a tear in the Champions League and has matched Ronaldo when it comes to scoring. What is of real significance is that Gala have netted only 11 goals so far and Yilmaz has bagged 8 of them. Real though have failed to keep a single clean sheet so far and that will be encouraging news for the Turks as they will look to take back a precious away goal.

Didier Drogba is one man who striker who knows how to take his team to glory as he exemplified last year. He has joined the Turkish giants along with Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder to add some bite and Champions League winning experience to the squad. It has been 12 years since Galatasaray made it this far, way back in 2000-01 and it was Real who stopped them, emerging 5-3 winners on aggregate after each side won its home leg. They are charged with a mammoth task once more and while not impossible, it is isn't the easiest. Plus, with Madrid having had a big 2 games against United, you'd reckon they would have dusted off any rust and have that big game win under their belts. While for Gala, they did well to rally to beat Schalke, but this is a stern test for them.

TEAM NEWS

Fabio Coentrao and Raphael Varane both missed the game at the weekend and are rated doubtful for tonight's encounter. Varane, if he doesn't make it, will be a big miss as he was one of their key guys against United repelling many an attack. Iker Casillas is fit again, but it is very unlikely that Mourinho will start the Spanish captain preferring to go with Diego Lopez instead.

Engin Baytar and Aydin Yilmaz have not traveled to Spain and that means Johan Elmander (remember him from Bolton Wanderers) could feature. Otherwise, the Emperor has a full complement of players to choose from.

Galatasaray have improved markedly since the competition began and have gotten better with every game. With Yilmaz firing in front of goal and new additions Drogba and Sneijder, they carry a sizable threat. The first leg though will be important as a heavy defeat could leave them with too much to do in Istanbul. Real at their best this season have been unplayable especially when Ronaldo and Di Maria get on the ball. Plus there's a certain 'the Special One' in their corner, who knows all about winning the Champions League. It could very well turn out like their last encounter with home wins for each side with Madrid scoring more.

Fatih Terim before the game said: "When the draw was made, we drew a team whose goal it is to win the trophy. Madrid have some of the most important players and maybe the best coach in the world. We know very well who we are facing but in the Champions League we have already proved our strength and belief. We will have a great game regardless of the result." So we can expect goals and a good dose of entertainment, it sure does promise to be a Real Gala affair.

UEFA Champions League: What we learnt from this week's action

 The first set of Round of 16 clashes in the UEFA Champions League was completed this week. Four teams have progressed into the next round – Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, and PSG. The match at Old Trafford which saw Real overcome Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United was by far the talking point of many a discussion this week, but the other teams in working their way into the quarterfinals will receive their fair share of the spotlight in the coming rounds. Amongst the many plots and subplots that panned out, here are a few takeaways that emerged from the clashes this week.

Manchester United – Real Madrid

Sir Alex got his tactics spot on for the game and his side had much the better of Madrid until the sending off. Ferguson having got burnt with a more attacking approach the last two times he’s encountered the Spanish giants, played his cards to perfection. The move was a reflection of his increased tactical nous in Europe, something which he has been often criticized for. The fact that United have only won 2 Champions League titles for all of their domestic dominance continues to be a cause for much heartburn for Fergie during his 26 year reign at United. 

The game also brought to light the increased maturity in some of United’s younger players such as Rafael and Danny Welbeck. Rafael was only a few years back dismissed as a headless chicken and someone who was considered a liability for Sir Alex. This is no longer true as the Brazilian has come of age and is now looking solid both domestically as well as in Europe.

Danny Welbeck, for me, was THE outstanding player for United across the two legs. His electric pace coupled with physical strength and running bodes well for the Manchester club and he offers something different in the four pronged forward line of United’s. Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane needed to be at their very best to contain the young forward. He does need to improve his finishing though, but this tie has shown that the true blue Manchester lad can mix it with the best in Europe.

Cristiano Ronaldo is currently the best player on the planet - make no mistake. He is single-handedly carried this Madrid team this season and the kind of consistency that he has brought into his game is incredible. He also possesses such an all-round game that he can pose a threat to opposing defenses in more than one way. Good in the air and off the ground, threat at set pieces and with electric pace and dribbling skills, Ronaldo, in my opinion, has just moved ahead of Lionel Messi in the pecking order.

Real coach Jose Mourinho possesses two things in wholesome quantities – European experience and championship winning good fortune. Both were at the fore this week, as he once again took advantage of a fortuitous decision and made the right substitutions that gave his side the advantage. 

Another quality of Mourinho that has helped in his drive to success is his objective ability to see his teams play bad even in defeat.  And Real will need to improve markedly if they are to go on and win the ‘Decima’. Twice United managed to slow them down by taking the pace out of the game and conceding possession daring Los Blancos to take the initiative. 

Jose Mourinho said after the game that ‘the best team lost’. Taken alongside pre-match comments showering praise on the Manchester club, it looks evident that Mourinho is keen on taking up the manager’s role at OT sometime in the near future.

Ryan Giggs’ display on Tuesday night went some way to showing why he has been offered a 1-year contract extension at the tender age of 39. The Welshman has put in terrific performances in the league as well and his 1,000th international bow was earned and not handed to him by Sir Alex.

And, as for Wayne Rooney, while being benched for arguably the biggest game of the season is a setback, it is by no means a sign that it is the beginning of the end for the English striker. However, what it offers is a peek into the change in status that he now carries at Old Trafford. 

Borussia Dortmund – Shakhtar Donetsk

Dortmund are one of the finest attacking teams in Europe. Under Juergen Klopp, they play an attractive brand of football that most opponents find difficult to cope with. But, one of the primary reasons for their below par League defence this season has been their unusually leaky defence. They have already conceded more goals this season than the previous two and it could be a weakness that gets exploited by stronger teams in the latter stages of the competition. But, they still look a good bet to make the semis of the competition.

In Mario Gotze, Marko Reus, Jakub ‘Kuba’ Blaszcyszkowski and Robert Lewandowski, they have one of the most potent attacking quartets around. And how effectively they click will go a long way in determining how Dortmund’s season shapes up in the latter stages.

Mat Hummels has to now start being considered amongst the best defenders in Europe. The German international is a brilliant reader of the game and is also a ball-playing defender who can initiate the offense from the back. Also, a rugged tackler of the football, he has kept his game up even as colleague Neven Subotic has struggled with injury and Brazilian Felipe Santana has been inconsistent.

PSG – Valencia

PSG’s progression really cannot be talked up much. Valencia are a struggling side with nowhere close to the finances that the Parisian club have access to. PSG’s performance was more efficient than destructive as they crafted their victory out. 

What they can boast of is some mercurial talent on their rolls in the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic along with Javier Pastore, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Lucas Moura and with the reassuring presence of Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, a man who has overseen successful European campaigns; they will be a tough team to beat.

Juventus – Celtic

The Italian champions effectively ended the tie with their clinical performance away in the first leg. They put up another efficient showing at home to achieve a 5-0 thrashing of a Celtic team that looked out of its depth in this stage of the contest. Juve have to be looked at as genuine contenders and as with all Italian teams, they started slowly, but have been building momentum as they've progressed.

Their defence and midfield match up with the best in the business and they also have veteran experience to call upon. Midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo is having another stellar season pulling the strings at the heart of the Juve midfield. With the industry of Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba, the Italians have a solid look about them and they are capable of grinding out results if necessary. They do lack a top draw striker though.

For Celtic, it has been a magnificent season regardless of their Round of 16 humbling. Theirs has been one of the stories of the year but the gulf in class between them and the big boys was apparent. Personnel, tactics and experience were the areas they were found wanting and with sound investment in those areas under the astute leadership of Neil Lennon there is no reason to believe we won’t be seeing more of them in coming seasons.

Manchester United vs Real Madrid: 2nd leg, Old Trafford

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

Real Madrid vs Manchester United: UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Preview

It Is THE tie of the 1^st Knock out round of the UEFA Champions League. Real Madrid versus Manchester United is always a special occasion and this year’s match-up is no different. The Red Devils are 3^rd in UEFA’s Club Co-efficient while Los Blancos are 4^th. It is not only a clash between 2 of the best sides in Club football but also a clash of two of the Best Managers around in Jose Mourinho & Sir Alex Ferguson.

United this season have been a club rejuvenated by the arrival of the ‘Flying Dutchman’ Robin van Persie from Arsenal. Though a little shaky at the back, going forward they have been magnificent with Van Persie the key cog in a fearsome attacking line-up complimented beautifully by Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez & Danny Welbeck.  They have scored an impressive 81 goals in all competitions with Van Persie accounting for 23 of them. They are 12 points clear of rivals Manchester City in the league and look set to claim their 20^th League title. Patrice Evra’s welcome return to form along with the maturity in right back Rafael’s play has been a huge part of United’s success this season, but the biggest difference has been Michael Carrick driving the play from midfield in the company of young Tom Cleverley and the lethal finishing up front from Van Persie, Rooney & co. They finished top of a relatively easy Group H with 12 points and though they lost 2 games, it was when Sir Alex fielded weakened sides.

Real Madrid on the other hand finished 2^nd in their Group with 11 points in what was the tournament’s Group of Death featuring champions of 4 major European leagues – Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City, Ajax – along with Los Blancos. Madrid have also been prolific in front of goal with 93 goals to their credit with Ronaldo scoring 36. However their season has been plagued by inconsistent form which has seen their title defence in La Liga fall by the wayside as they sit 3^rd 16 points adrift of leaders Barcelona. Amid reports of dressing room unrest and a fallout between Mourinho and some of the senior Spanish stars at the Bernabeu, Madrid aiming for the ‘Decima’, their 10^th European crown have done well in the Champions League where Ronaldo is the joint leading goal scorer with 6 goals and Mesut Ozil, Angel di Maria & Karim Benzema are joint third in the Assists section with 3 assists each.

The 2 managers also share a special relationship, one that started off with them being fierce rivals but later becoming very good buddies off the field with each holding the other in high esteem. Mourinho has even been tipped to be one of the successors to Sir Alex’s reign at Old Trafford when he eventually calls it a day.

For both teams, the strength lies in attack with their defences not exactly exuding confidence through the season though United with all 4 central defenders fully fit & keeper De Gea  in good form and Evra & Rafael’s improvement this season have an edge over Real in that part of the field. United will have to cut the supply from the likes of Xabi Alonso & Luka Modric in the Real midfield to Ronaldo & Ozil up front and Ferguson may well opt for a 5 man midfield for precisely this reason playing Carrick, Cleverley & Phil Jones in a central midfield flanked by the tireless Antonio Valencia on the right and Rooney dropping back on the left with Van Persie up top. Madrid’s ploy would be simple, to move the ball quickly and get it to their forwards  before United can set their defence and would not mind playing on the counter even though they’d be at home at the Santiago Bernabeu. Recent matches between the two have gone Madrid’s way with Real beating United in both 2000 and 2003 in the Quarterfinals stage.

It promises to be a fascinating encounter, filled with the intrigue of how that 1 man – Ronaldo – will fare against his former club, and how the Real backline will cope with the likes of United’s Rated ‘R’ attack of Rooney & Robin. As Mourinho stated recently – “The world is waiting for Real Madrid vs Manchester United”.