Champions League
2013-02-13 - Real Madrid vs Manchester United
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Real Madrid play host to Manchester United and in the words of Jose Mourinho the world will be waiting to watch this match as both teams meet at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium tonight.
These two sides have won 12 continental crowns between them as the world eagerly awaits the kickoff of this match tonight.
No doubt that Real Madrid are the most successful side in the history of the European Cup, but have gone 11 years since they last won the trophy and will be determined to end that run this year.
Jose Mourinho's men have been forced to make the Champions League their top priority this season as they are unable to catch Barcelona in the La Liga already this season.
Manchester United on the other hand go into this match with the distinction of leading the English Premiership some 12 points at the top and unbeaten in all competitions since 5th December - a 14-match run.
However, they have yet to hit top form in the Champions League this season having suffered two defeats at the end of the group stage, but are among the best in the business when it comes to raising their game for the big games.
And Sir Alex Ferguson knows that games do not come any bigger then the two-legged knockout tie with Real Madrid - with a managerial contest between Mourinho and Sir Alex Fergsuon, and Cristiano Ronaldo's first outing against United since leaving England for Santiago Bernabeu in 2009 taking all the headlines before the match starts.
There will also be the battle between Ronaldo of Real Madrid and Robin van Persie to see who shines on the night when the game gets underway!
But for the record, Manchester Utd have never won away against Real Madrid (two defeats, two draws). And the hosts Real Madrid have only failed to score once in their last 31 Champions League games, that was against Barcelona at the Bernabeu in April 2011.
Man United will be glad to know that Real Madrid have failed to keep a clean sheet in this season's competition. They have conceded nine goals in the Champions League this season, the most among the 16 teams that reached the knockout stages.
Team News :
Real Madrid Team News :
Real Madrid are expected to call upon Xavi Alonso for this match. The former Liverpool midfielder sat out Saturday's 4-1 victory over Sevilla with a groin complaint, while
Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira were rested, but all three trained with the rest of the side on Tuesday and should start this match.
Pepe could also be available to Mourinho after being put through his paces in the build-up to the game, but Raphael Varane will undergo a late fitness test before kickoff. Club captain Iker Casillas is sidelined with a broken hand, meaning Diego Lopez will start in goal.
Manchester United Team News :
Paul Scholes has not travelled with the squad due to a knee problem. Other then that the Premiership leaders have a full strengtht side for this match.
Phil Jones and Jonny Evans have shrugged off knocks in order to make the trip, while Ashley Young and Anders Lindegaard are also in the squad.
Predictions :
Go for Manchester United and accept the 1 ball here.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Real Madrid 2-2 Manchester United
BEST BETTING TIP :
Go for this match to end in a DRAW.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Main Bet :
Go for Manchester United and accept the +1 ball.
Go for Manchester United and accept the +1 ball.
