Real Madrid against Manchester United

Mourinho seems content with the scoreline as well as Fergie, Pepe on to help the centre halves it seems.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Valencia is booked after catching Ramos with an elbow. That looked ungainly from the winger.

United striving to keep their shape as Real try to unlock some space.

What a hit from Ronaldo. De Gea was rooted to the spot as his free kick from 35 yards dipped on top of the net. Wow.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> And now Rooney comes off after a quiet night. Anderson is on.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Last Real change - Pep on for Alonso.

Sterling work from Giggs - a brilliant tackle to dispossess Ozil, then a trick to get past Arbeloa and win a free kick.

Pepe is stripping. Good news for United.

Oh what a chance for Giggs! An Evra cross breaks for Giggs who HAS to hit it first time but he tries to beat an onrushing defender. Fergie is furious.

Well worked by Modric to find Arbeloa and a header behind from Evans, who was off balance a little.

Excellent save from De Gea as a scramble breaks for Khedira who gets a good connection on a half volley. The keeper is across swiftly to cling on.

Direct running from Khedira, helped by a Valencia slip. Corner.

Good improvisation from Higuain who has a stab at goal from the edge of the box as he was falling to the floor. De Gea over smartly to save.

Higuain gets a cross in from the right and Ferdinand clears.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Real change, arguably their best player, Di Maria, makes way for Modric.

United clear Real's latest corner - their 11th.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Those were big, big chances for United. You'd back RVP to finish one of those. Now a change, Valencia on for Welbeck.

Then RVP has another sensational chance as he chests down a ball and has a free volley on goal from eight yards, scuffs it and watches as Alonso scampers back to clear off the line!

Off the bar! Rooney streaks away with numbers in support and feeds RVP who hits the bar via a great touch from Lopez.

Poor from Coentrao who tries a shot slash cross from a tight angle. Right at De Gea.

United a lot more compact now. Real finding space hard to come by as Ronaldo and Ferdinand battle for Ozil's cross at the near post.

RVP cuts inside and tries an ambitious dink to Evra who had charged up in support.

Two excellent clearing headers from Carrick, the last of which finds Welbeck, who wins a free kick for his troubles, then pulls up with a bit of cramp. Welbeck has been superb tonight.

Di Maria has been very good tonight - he dances into the box and wins a corner.

Giggs has gone to the left and should provide a little more stability than Kagawa.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> On for Kagawa is Ryan Giggs, to a healthy round of applause from home and away fans.

Kagawa wins a free kick when he was in danger of being pick pocketed again. He's not ha a good night and now he's coming off.

Super run from Welbeck after a nice little pass from Carrick. Varane tracks him well and concedes a corner.

Great save from De Gea! A great ball in from Khedira and Coentrao meets it after stealing ahead of Rooney, his volley is scuffed and the keeper kicks it away right off the line. Good improvisation.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> First change - Higuain replaces Benzema.

All a bit cramped now as United attack as Rooney and Carrick contrive to lose possession.

United starting to look a little tired and noticeably dropping deeper.

Excellent from RVP as he brings the ball away but Welbeck changes his run at the very second the through ball is played. Shame.

Kagawa is having a stinker - he gives the ball away and Ronaldo is off but Rafael watches him closely. Then as Real work it around Di Maria's shot is blocked.

Amazing the referee waved that on. He gives a free kick now as Rafael is brought down.

Oooh controversy. Evra, of all people, bursts through the middle and Varane brings him down but the referee waves play on. Fergie apoplectic. That was a foul and a red card. Big, big call.

Another fizzing Di Maria effort, this time De Gea is unmoved, and he's relieved as he watches it whizz past the post by a yard.

Decent effort from Di Maria, that bounces just in front of De Gea, but the keeper watches it well and makes the save.

Jones takes out Ronaldo, much to Jose's annoyance.

Rafael loses the ball poorly but at least clears Di Maria's cross. A better start to the second half from United though.

Jones takes his eye off Ronaldo for a second and he is fed by Khedira. He fashions a shooting chance but De Gea is right behind it.

Ramos with an unconvincing header, he pops it up for Jones but his header - a free one from nine yards out - loops over the bar.

Looks like a change in formation for United as Kagawa goes left and Welbeck more central. And Welbeck nearly grabs another trying to meet Evra's cross. United win a corner.

No changes (what do I know anyway?) as we resume. Mourinho was out early to sit on the bench alone.

I think we might see a half time change from Fergie. Kagawa has offered little and Rafael is struggling. Smalling could replace him, while Anderson could help shore up the midfield.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0213/ronaldoceleb20130213_275x155.jpg"><br>Ronaldo rose high to head home a leveller for Real

ESPN's Dermot Corrigan at the Bernabeu: "Rafael having bit of a mare. If plan was to offer him help with Jones & Rooney, not really working. Di Maria plugged in on return to team."

Well, that was hugely enjoyable. That 45 minutes flew by and I'm pretty sure there'll be more goalmouth action in the second.

And that is half time. An enthralling 45 minutes and United will be the happier of the two at the interval, though not with their performance in the last 20 minutes of that half.

What a chance! A lovely dink into the box from Coentrao and Ronaldo is about to glance on goal from eight yards out but a late nudge from Evans means the ball hits the striker's shoulder and bounces wide.

A rare break from United as Evra finds Kagawa who returns the ball. The crossed is diverted behind for a corner. Good work from Rooney to begin the counter.

Ronaldo cuts in and smashes on goal with his left. It rockets over the bar by a whisker. What a hit.

Nervy moment for De Gea as he fumbles a ball at the near post under pressure from Benzema. The goalkeeper recovers.

Furious pace to the game now - Jones shoves Di Maria down off the ball in the area but no penalty given, then RVP squanders possession again. United wobbling.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Rafael hacks at Ozil then tugs him down. Card. not ideal for United when he's marking Ronaldo. Free kick on the byline for Real.

Overopplayed by Ozil, why oh why did he square the ball for Roandlo when he was in on goal?! Only De Gea to beat from Di Maria's glorious pass but he chose to pass and the chance is lost.

Ozil latches onto a long ball from Alonso and De Gea has to be alert to parry his powerful effort behind.

United's fans sing: "Sit down Mourinho." He doesn't oblige.

Rafael wins another corner for United as Rooney's goes long. RVP will trot over to take an inswinger now, that Rooney nods behind harmlessly.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0213/dannywelbeckgoal20130213_275x155.jpg"><br>Welbeck nods United in front

Now Rooney fires wide after Lopez punches right to Kagawa, whose initial shot was blocked.

So close to a second for Welbeck! RVP crosses and Welbeck nips in at the near post with a delicate touch and the keeper gets enough on it to send it narrowly wide of the far post.

Van Persie turns inside Varane but the defender sticks to him and blocks the eventual shot.

Rooney is fouled then has a rant at Jones for giving him the ball in a crowded space. So, two goals already. There will be more, mark my words.

A fantastic header at the back post as he hangs in the air and beats De Gea. No celebration from him either. Respect. Classy goal though. Superb leap and nod.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Ronaldo levels it up!

His first effort hits the wall and his second - a fizzing half volley - flashes wide of De Gea's near post.

Ronaldo buys a free kick with a dramatic foul even though Carrick won the ball. Oh, I take that back, Carrick didn't win the ball at all. Ronaldo over the free kick, 30 yards out and central.

Two corners in quick succession, both dealt with before Alonso rakes a ball to the back post for Benzema. His cross is wicked but is missed by everyone.

RVP is a lucky boy - he handballs deliberately to try and advance a United attack. A free kick is given for a foul but neither referee nor assistant saw his touch.

Jose is stalking his technical area in an immaculate grey suit, complete with snood. A must-have fashion accessory.

Di Maria has a pop and forces De Gea to tip round the post. United clear the corner comfortably. More comfortably than Real anyway.

Mourinho jumped off his bench as the goal went in to remonstrate with Ramos. Di Maria had drifted off the post and was almost standing behind his own keeper. Wasted.

A free header after a brilliant corner delivery from Rooney. A lovely, glancing header into the net and United have a VITAL away goal. Ramos the culprit.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Welbeck heads home!

Rafael does well to track Ronaldo to the corner flag before giving him a friendly nudge. CR7 can't believe he hasn't got a free kick for that.

United's defence parts for Ozil as he charges down the middle, Jones sticks to him and blocks his shot.

Benzema gets one in the pods. You can't help but titter. Ooof.

Another dangerous Alonso free kick, Evans goes up with Ramos and concedes a corner before hitting the turf, that's because Ramos caught him with an elbow as he went down. Naughty. Very naughty.

Errant touches from Ronaldo, who surrenders possession, then Evans who inadvertently knocks the ball out for a corner.

Di Maria fouls Evra on the right wing. Not quite sure what Patrice was doing over there.

Jones tries to slip in Kagawa and the ball was on - it just wasn't weighted right. Chance.

Rooney has a sight of goal and takes on the shot but a deflection takes the pace off and Lopez claims.

Rafael sells himself to Ronaldo and the ball comes into the box, United clear but the danger signs are there already.

A session of aerial ping pong on the edge of United's box and as they break Rooney looks long for Van Persie before Varane tidies up.

Mistake from Varane as he nods back to Lopez who had already come out. Needless corner to concede. Real clear though and Jones covers off Di Maria's breakaway successfully.

There's going to be goals in this. United have four forward whenever they attack and that leaves them open. Ronaldo has a go for goal from 35 yards but doesn't catch it cleanly.

Now Real win a free kick and as Alonso delivers, Ramos climbs above Ferdinand but can't direct his header on target.

What a save! De Gea gets a flick on a goalbound shot from Coentrao after Ronaldo's cross was diverted into his path. It hits the post and bounces clear. Superb.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> A yellow car for RVP as he sticks a hand in Ramos's face as a long ball approaches. The defender made a meal of it but no need from the striker.

Now a strong run from Di Maria but a rather wild shot that skews wide of the post as De Gea watches on.

Two nice link ups for United as they get into their stride. Rooney looks for Van Persie over the top before Lopez comes out. Then RVP nearly sets Kagawa away but the Japanese was offside.

And now the first Real attack as Ronaldo drifts inside, then turns the ball to Coentrao in space, he finds Khedira who drags a shot wide. Good opening.

A good early spell of possession for United, calming any nerves.

<b>KICK OFF</b>

Right, let's do this...

Real's fans are waving the white flag already. But only the little ones that were placed on their seats prior to kick off. Is that the right image?

Enough stats to chew on? Good, you're all set. The teams are in the tunnel and the match the world is waiting for is about to begin *salivates*

Ronaldo's hat-trick against Sevilla on Saturday was his 16th in La Liga for Real. He's scored an incredible 103 goals in 89 appearances for Madrid at the Bernabeu.

CR7 spent Ronaldo spent six seasons with United between 2003 and 2009. He scored 118 goals in 292 games, winning one UEFA Champions League and three Premier League titles, as well as one FA Cup and two League Cups.

As for Ronaldo, he has scored 15 in his last 13 Champions League games. He hasn't missed a minute in the competition so far and has had 27 attempts on target - more than any other player.

Fergie: "We'll try to be as positive as we can and still retain the discipline that can win us the match. The roles of Jones and Carrick are essential."

The two gaffers are much tighter in terms of win percentage in the Champions League overall. Mourinho has won 55 of his 101 matches in the competition, at a win percentage of 54.5%. Ferguson has a win percentage of 54.3% after triumphing in 102 games out of his 188.

As for the head to head, in their 14 games, Mourinho has won six opposed to Ferguson's two, with six draws. That gives Jose a win percentage of 43, compared to SAF's 14.

So, before we wax lyrical about Ronaldo, let's get deep down and dirty was some choice stats shall we? Here's your starter for ten - Real have won eight of their last nine UCL games at the Bernabeu. But they've only won seven of 14 overall since the end of the group stages.

For Real, is it a gamble starting Varane at centre back, given the vastly experienced Pepe and Carvalho are on the bench?

Fergie in very relaxed mood in an interview ahead of the game. His biggest worry seemed to be the fact that the bottle of win he'd brought for Mourinho he left on the plane!

So, are we surprised by that very attacking Man Utd line up? Or that Jones has got the nod in centre midfield? And how do we think Rafael will cope with Ronaldo? Oooh, it's like Question time isn't it?

Plenty of potency on each bench - Modric, Essien, Kaka and Higuain among others for Real, Hernandez, Valencia, Giggs, Cleverley and Anderson for Man Utd.

As for Real, Varane starts at the back while Xabi Alonso is fit to take his place in midfield. Benzema starts up front and Ronaldo is benched. I'm joking, of course he isn't.

Let's start with the visitors and there is no Nemanja Vidic tonight. Evans partners Ferdinand while Rooney, Welbeck, Van Persie and Kagawa all start. No Cleverley as Phil Jones partners Michael Carrick in midfield.

Welcome along one and all, let us begin. The team news is out, so without further ado, let us crack right on.

Kevin Palmer on how the student is preparing to <a href="http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/espnfcunited/id/3444?cc=5739" target="_blank">meet the master at the Bernabeu</a>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0209/cristianoronaldokissceleb20130209_275x155.jpg"><br>All eyes are on £80m man Ronaldo.

Join us at 1945 GMT to see Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo face his old side Manchester United in the Champions League last-16.

United clear Real's latest corner - their 11th.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Those were big, big chances for United. You'd back RVP to finish one of those. Now a change, Valencia on for Welbeck.

Then RVP has another sensational chance as he chests down a ball and has a free volley on goal from eight yards, scuffs it and watches as Alonso scampers back to clear off the line!

Off the bar! Rooney streaks away with numbers in support and feeds RVP who hits the bar via a great touch from Lopez.

Poor from Coentrao who tries a shot slash cross from a tight angle. Right at De Gea.

United a lot more compact now. Real finding space hard to come by as Ronaldo and Ferdinand battle for Ozil's cross at the near post.

RVP cuts inside and tries an ambitious dink to Evra who had charged up in support.

Two excellent clearing headers from Carrick, the last of which finds Welbeck, who wins a free kick for his troubles, then pulls up with a bit of cramp. Welbeck has been superb tonight.

Di Maria has been very good tonight - he dances into the box and wins a corner.

Giggs has gone to the left and should provide a little more stability than Kagawa.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> On for Kagawa is Ryan Giggs, to a healthy round of applause from home and away fans.

Kagawa wins a free kick when he was in danger of being pick pocketed again. He's not ha a good night and now he's coming off.

Super run from Welbeck after a nice little pass from Carrick. Varane tracks him well and concedes a corner.

Great save from De Gea! A great ball in from Khedira and Coentrao meets it after stealing ahead of Rooney, his volley is scuffed and the keeper kicks it away right off the line. Good improvisation.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> First change - Higuain replaces Benzema.

All a bit cramped now as United attack as Rooney and Carrick contrive to lose possession.

United starting to look a little tired and noticeably dropping deeper.

Excellent from RVP as he brings the ball away but Welbeck changes his run at the very second the through ball is played. Shame.

Kagawa is having a stinker - he gives the ball away and Ronaldo is off but Rafael watches him closely. Then as Real work it around Di Maria's shot is blocked.

Amazing the referee waved that on. He gives a free kick now as Rafael is brought down.

Oooh controversy. Evra, of all people, bursts through the middle and Varane brings him down but the referee waves play on. Fergie apoplectic. That was a foul and a red card. Big, big call.

Another fizzing Di Maria effort, this time De Gea is unmoved, and he's relieved as he watches it whizz past the post by a yard.

Decent effort from Di Maria, that bounces just in front of De Gea, but the keeper watches it well and makes the save.

Jones takes out Ronaldo, much to Jose's annoyance.

Rafael loses the ball poorly but at least clears Di Maria's cross. A better start to the second half from United though.

Jones takes his eye off Ronaldo for a second and he is fed by Khedira. He fashions a shooting chance but De Gea is right behind it.

Ramos with an unconvincing header, he pops it up for Jones but his header - a free one from nine yards out - loops over the bar.

Looks like a change in formation for United as Kagawa goes left and Welbeck more central. And Welbeck nearly grabs another trying to meet Evra's cross. United win a corner.

No changes (what do I know anyway?) as we resume. Mourinho was out early to sit on the bench alone.

I think we might see a half time change from Fergie. Kagawa has offered little and Rafael is struggling. Smalling could replace him, while Anderson could help shore up the midfield.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0213/ronaldoceleb20130213_275x155.jpg"><br>Ronaldo rose high to head home a leveller for Real

ESPN's Dermot Corrigan at the Bernabeu: "Rafael having bit of a mare. If plan was to offer him help with Jones & Rooney, not really working. Di Maria plugged in on return to team."

Well, that was hugely enjoyable. That 45 minutes flew by and I'm pretty sure there'll be more goalmouth action in the second.

And that is half time. An enthralling 45 minutes and United will be the happier of the two at the interval, though not with their performance in the last 20 minutes of that half.

What a chance! A lovely dink into the box from Coentrao and Ronaldo is about to glance on goal from eight yards out but a late nudge from Evans means the ball hits the striker's shoulder and bounces wide.

A rare break from United as Evra finds Kagawa who returns the ball. The crossed is diverted behind for a corner. Good work from Rooney to begin the counter.

Ronaldo cuts in and smashes on goal with his left. It rockets over the bar by a whisker. What a hit.

Nervy moment for De Gea as he fumbles a ball at the near post under pressure from Benzema. The goalkeeper recovers.

Furious pace to the game now - Jones shoves Di Maria down off the ball in the area but no penalty given, then RVP squanders possession again. United wobbling.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Rafael hacks at Ozil then tugs him down. Card. not ideal for United when he's marking Ronaldo. Free kick on the byline for Real.

Overopplayed by Ozil, why oh why did he square the ball for Roandlo when he was in on goal?! Only De Gea to beat from Di Maria's glorious pass but he chose to pass and the chance is lost.

Ozil latches onto a long ball from Alonso and De Gea has to be alert to parry his powerful effort behind.

United's fans sing: "Sit down Mourinho." He doesn't oblige.

Rafael wins another corner for United as Rooney's goes long. RVP will trot over to take an inswinger now, that Rooney nods behind harmlessly.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0213/dannywelbeckgoal20130213_275x155.jpg"><br>Welbeck nods United in front

Now Rooney fires wide after Lopez punches right to Kagawa, whose initial shot was blocked.

So close to a second for Welbeck! RVP crosses and Welbeck nips in at the near post with a delicate touch and the keeper gets enough on it to send it narrowly wide of the far post.

Van Persie turns inside Varane but the defender sticks to him and blocks the eventual shot.

Rooney is fouled then has a rant at Jones for giving him the ball in a crowded space. So, two goals already. There will be more, mark my words.

A fantastic header at the back post as he hangs in the air and beats De Gea. No celebration from him either. Respect. Classy goal though. Superb leap and nod.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Ronaldo levels it up!

His first effort hits the wall and his second - a fizzing half volley - flashes wide of De Gea's near post.

Ronaldo buys a free kick with a dramatic foul even though Carrick won the ball. Oh, I take that back, Carrick didn't win the ball at all. Ronaldo over the free kick, 30 yards out and central.

Two corners in quick succession, both dealt with before Alonso rakes a ball to the back post for Benzema. His cross is wicked but is missed by everyone.

RVP is a lucky boy - he handballs deliberately to try and advance a United attack. A free kick is given for a foul but neither referee nor assistant saw his touch.

Jose is stalking his technical area in an immaculate grey suit, complete with snood. A must-have fashion accessory.

Di Maria has a pop and forces De Gea to tip round the post. United clear the corner comfortably. More comfortably than Real anyway.

Mourinho jumped off his bench as the goal went in to remonstrate with Ramos. Di Maria had drifted off the post and was almost standing behind his own keeper. Wasted.

A free header after a brilliant corner delivery from Rooney. A lovely, glancing header into the net and United have a VITAL away goal. Ramos the culprit.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Welbeck heads home!

Rafael does well to track Ronaldo to the corner flag before giving him a friendly nudge. CR7 can't believe he hasn't got a free kick for that.

United's defence parts for Ozil as he charges down the middle, Jones sticks to him and blocks his shot.

Benzema gets one in the pods. You can't help but titter. Ooof.

Another dangerous Alonso free kick, Evans goes up with Ramos and concedes a corner before hitting the turf, that's because Ramos caught him with an elbow as he went down. Naughty. Very naughty.

Errant touches from Ronaldo, who surrenders possession, then Evans who inadvertently knocks the ball out for a corner.

Di Maria fouls Evra on the right wing. Not quite sure what Patrice was doing over there.

Jones tries to slip in Kagawa and the ball was on - it just wasn't weighted right. Chance.

Rooney has a sight of goal and takes on the shot but a deflection takes the pace off and Lopez claims.

Rafael sells himself to Ronaldo and the ball comes into the box, United clear but the danger signs are there already.

A session of aerial ping pong on the edge of United's box and as they break Rooney looks long for Van Persie before Varane tidies up.

Mistake from Varane as he nods back to Lopez who had already come out. Needless corner to concede. Real clear though and Jones covers off Di Maria's breakaway successfully.

There's going to be goals in this. United have four forward whenever they attack and that leaves them open. Ronaldo has a go for goal from 35 yards but doesn't catch it cleanly.

Now Real win a free kick and as Alonso delivers, Ramos climbs above Ferdinand but can't direct his header on target.

What a save! De Gea gets a flick on a goalbound shot from Coentrao after Ronaldo's cross was diverted into his path. It hits the post and bounces clear. Superb.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> A yellow car for RVP as he sticks a hand in Ramos's face as a long ball approaches. The defender made a meal of it but no need from the striker.

Now a strong run from Di Maria but a rather wild shot that skews wide of the post as De Gea watches on.

Two nice link ups for United as they get into their stride. Rooney looks for Van Persie over the top before Lopez comes out. Then RVP nearly sets Kagawa away but the Japanese was offside.

And now the first Real attack as Ronaldo drifts inside, then turns the ball to Coentrao in space, he finds Khedira who drags a shot wide. Good opening.

A good early spell of possession for United, calming any nerves.

<b>KICK OFF</b>

Right, let's do this...

Real's fans are waving the white flag already. But only the little ones that were placed on their seats prior to kick off. Is that the right image?

Enough stats to chew on? Good, you're all set. The teams are in the tunnel and the match the world is waiting for is about to begin *salivates*

Ronaldo's hat-trick against Sevilla on Saturday was his 16th in La Liga for Real. He's scored an incredible 103 goals in 89 appearances for Madrid at the Bernabeu.

CR7 spent Ronaldo spent six seasons with United between 2003 and 2009. He scored 118 goals in 292 games, winning one UEFA Champions League and three Premier League titles, as well as one FA Cup and two League Cups.

As for Ronaldo, he has scored 15 in his last 13 Champions League games. He hasn't missed a minute in the competition so far and has had 27 attempts on target - more than any other player.

Fergie: "We'll try to be as positive as we can and still retain the discipline that can win us the match. The roles of Jones and Carrick are essential."

The two gaffers are much tighter in terms of win percentage in the Champions League overall. Mourinho has won 55 of his 101 matches in the competition, at a win percentage of 54.5%. Ferguson has a win percentage of 54.3% after triumphing in 102 games out of his 188.

As for the head to head, in their 14 games, Mourinho has won six opposed to Ferguson's two, with six draws. That gives Jose a win percentage of 43, compared to SAF's 14.

So, before we wax lyrical about Ronaldo, let's get deep down and dirty was some choice stats shall we? Here's your starter for ten - Real have won eight of their last nine UCL games at the Bernabeu. But they've only won seven of 14 overall since the end of the group stages.

For Real, is it a gamble starting Varane at centre back, given the vastly experienced Pepe and Carvalho are on the bench?

Fergie in very relaxed mood in an interview ahead of the game. His biggest worry seemed to be the fact that the bottle of win he'd brought for Mourinho he left on the plane!

So, are we surprised by that very attacking Man Utd line up? Or that Jones has got the nod in centre midfield? And how do we think Rafael will cope with Ronaldo? Oooh, it's like Question time isn't it?

Plenty of potency on each bench - Modric, Essien, Kaka and Higuain among others for Real, Hernandez, Valencia, Giggs, Cleverley and Anderson for Man Utd.

As for Real, Varane starts at the back while Xabi Alonso is fit to take his place in midfield. Benzema starts up front and Ronaldo is benched. I'm joking, of course he isn't.

Let's start with the visitors and there is no Nemanja Vidic tonight. Evans partners Ferdinand while Rooney, Welbeck, Van Persie and Kagawa all start. No Cleverley as Phil Jones partners Michael Carrick in midfield.

Welcome along one and all, let us begin. The team news is out, so without further ado, let us crack right on.

Kevin Palmer on how the student is preparing to <a href="http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/espnfcunited/id/3444?cc=5739" target="_blank">meet the master at the Bernabeu</a>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0209/cristianoronaldokissceleb20130209_275x155.jpg"><br>All eyes are on £80m man Ronaldo.

Join us at 1945 GMT to see Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo face his old side Manchester United in the Champions League last-16.