Too Close To Call

Real Madrid 1 - Manchester United 1
Scorers
Real Madrid: Ronaldo (30)
Manchester United: Welbeck (20)

Team: De Gea, Rio, Evans, Rafael, Evra, Carrick, Jones, Kagawa (Giggs 64), Rooney (Anderson 84), Welbeck (Valencia 73), Van Persie

It was a good away result under trying circumstances. Most of key players were starstruck and coming away with a result puts the tie firmly at our advantage. More importantly, it gives players like Kagawa and Rooney time to get over their jitters with a pinch of Fergie's hairdryer treatment.

De Gea was possibly our star guy last night. After poopooing most of the season, he came good, making numerous good saves to keep the tie alive, especially in the second half.

Van Persie, who has been our star for most of the season failed to add to his already glowing United reputation with a double miss in quick succession. The first he struck the crossbar, and uncharacteristically mishit his volley, only for Alonso to clear as it threatened to trickle past the line.

But the night belonged to the two goalscorers. Welbeck put United into the lead, directing Rooney's corner into the net while Ronaldo did likewise at the other end. Ronaldo's refusal to celebrate will be duely noted by the Old Trafford crowd when the teams meet again on the 5th of March to settle the tie.

I noticed a few tactical changes that were made from the transition of the first half to the second. In the first half, we stuck really close to the Madrid front players, not allowing them space. However it didn't seem to work very well. The likes of Ozil, Di Maria and Ronaldo were just too skillful and mobile. Alittle jink, a little feint and they were away. Rafael in particular was caught out more than once and we were left scrambling to provide extra cover.

The strategy in the second half was to give the opponent more space but that in turn resulted in more long range shots, especially from Di Maria, who had an outstanding game. I supposed neither strategy actually worked well and it would be interesting to see how Ferguson adjusts, if he is able to.

That said, it was a brilliant move to put Jones on Ronaldo. He did an immaculate job keeping the prolific Portugese honest.