On the way to Manchester United becoming the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968 they knocked out Real Madrid in the semi-finals.
In typical manner Real acted with class and style. Bernabeu spoke after the second leg when a dramatic 3-3 secured United’s place in the Wembley final of 1968. He said, ‘If it had to be anybody I was glad it was them.’ Then, after United‘s victory over Benfica, the first telegram waiting for them in the changing room was addressed from Madrid. It simply stated: ‘Congratulation to our friends in Manchester. From your friends in Madrid!’
However, the greatest game between the two clubs, for me, personally, was a game I was at. The 2003 match Champions league encounter: Manchester United 4 Real Madrid 3. Beaten 3-1 in the Bernabeu by an out of this world inspired Zinidane Zidane, United fought tooth and nail to claw back the deficit, only to keep being caught out by the deadly finishing of the Brazilian centre-forward Ronaldo. Everytime we got close and sensed a comeback might be on. Bang! He scored again.
This was the game that first gave me the idea for the book. The substitution of Ronaldo in the second half. What occurred was astonishing, this guy had all but knocked us out on his own and the entire stadium rose as one to applaud him off? Later at home I watched again on television and witnessed Sir Bobby Charlton sat next to Alfredo Di Stefano. Both were looking on in sheer awe at what occurred in that 63rd minute. I thought to myself, where did that come from?’ Hence the book: A Tale of Two Cities: Manchester & Madrid 1957-1968
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bwin are offering you a free £20 for United vs Real Madrid
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Yes, the 4-3 win at OT. The Ronaldo hattrick. And that bent TW@T Barthez being out of poistion for every bleeding one of them! On the take? Who knows? But by coincidence it was his last ever game for us. Maybe Fergie knows.
1968 The 3-3 in Madrid. Such a friendly place that Nobby was hit on the head with a bottle coming off the pitch.
Come United, lets have it!
Today it will be the reverse of what Bernabeu said, like ususal business whenever RM met Man United in this competition… pity for you fans already, but dont worry it will be your old boy nailing you as you cheer him on his returns
Becks and Ruud were brilliant that night, but the team only got going 2nd half.
Fabien Barthez was sh*t and was really shown up in those type of games. Good shot stopper but to short and less than stellar distribution and positioning for me. Sold the next year. Waste of space for me.
Veron off as well. Handy with the ball, but couldn’t finish when the chips were down and you really needed him. Neither one a player Fergie could depend on. Feel we will never have another short keeper because of him. Just not United calibre.
Never could stand McManaman but the FACHT that he beat us on 2 legs in 2003 is one of the things that really grates.
Mentioned this yesterday on another thread. That game truly encapsulated what United are about. Attacking flair and resolute belief made it unforgettable. Still feel if United had had a better goalkeeper than Madrid might’ve had a tougher time. Remember the commentator remarking how it looked like football from another planet. Madrid still looked calm and arrogant even when withstanding wave after wave of attack. Having said that the Galacticos, when they were up for it, could potentially outplay any modern team. Personally also feel Del Bosque was the manager who was able to get the best out of them. It is amazing to think they forced him out. Of course it was Beckham’s last european game in a United shirt. A tremendous performance from him and a time of mixed feelings. We were battling usual suspects Arsenal in the league and leaving them in our wake, but already it looked certain change would be coming. No one could have predicted the transition and the successful years that followed, or indeed the emergence of another Ronaldo and the continued excellence of Giggs and scholes. What a club…What a match…Just hope this time we win.
CR9 – twat, troll. nob. You choose.
Just light a match and hope the sour gas burns itself out
CR9 – your namesake hero loves us a lot more than he loves your pitiful mob.
He’ll be hoping to earn a transfer tonight, but we’ve moved on already. You’re stuck with a hero that hero-worships his mentor at United.
After years in the doldrums, your club is hoping to make an impact this year. All that stands between you and the next round is a team that has been in 3 of the last 6 CL finals. We’re well top of our domestic league too, yet you are third in the two-horse race. in Spain.
Save your pity for your own fans. Tonight marks the end of another CL season for Real Madrid.
Think i have this right but check me here:
Any straight win, wins the tie.
0-0 we win the tie in normal time because of away goal.
1-1 goes to extra time and then pens
2-2 (or any other draw with more than 1 goal they win on away goals).
Think that is right. Only a 1-1 will produce extra time and pens.
Well said dreadedred!!. Nothing else need be said.
Fletch your right man. Theres noway this will be a goal less encounter as both managers have said. And its not in Uniteds D.N.A to sit back at oldtrafford. In saying that football always is unpredictable. Thats why we love it. And why its the greatest game on earth. If they do score tho thats means we need to then? Isnt that correct?
*two*
Belfast. Cheers mate.
As to your question:
If they score 1, then we need to equalize at least, then it goes to extra time and pens if still 1-1.
If they score more than 2, then we have to win the game outright in normal time.
That’s how I understand it anyway!
Whenever I read about the good old days and how nice and respectful Bernabeu and RM were with United I try fínd soft spot in my heart… then their VIRUS fans come to my mind and I go wild
CR9 fans like U cost your team respect… And our old boy will be back in OT and will shown what he’s missing
belfast red – thanks mate!
FletchTM – spot on, only a 1-1 will produce extra time and possibly pens. It seems likely that RM will score, so we need to win on the night. Come on United!
The ‘bad’ thing about the result is that as they have to score as it stands, if we score first then they won’t be bothered as they had to score anyway.
Don’t understand how people still can’t grasp the Away Goal rule. Do we have to go through this every year?
Bobby Charlton’s combover – that’s true. We need to score first, AND then (at least) share the rest of the goals equally. It’s going to be a fucking nail-biter to the end!
Don’t understand how people still can’t grasp that some people can’t grasp the Away Goal rule.
Do we have to go through this every year?
Lasers were aimed at Ronaldo when Madrid played Barcelona at the Nou Camp last week. A spokesman asked about UEFA’s policy on lasers said: ‘It’s very clear, they’re not allowed and we don’t want to see them. It’s common for us to open disciplinary cases for lasers. It depends on what other incidents happen during the game, we put them all together, but a wide range of measures can be taken. It’s up to the club and the police to control what fans bring into the stadium, but the club are responsible for the behaviour of their fans during matches.’
Surely we are above cheating? Those going to the stadium must confiscate/report any lasers being used. Don’t allow this blatant abuse to ruin our wonderful victory.
The Mail offer an unsubstantiated report that Patrice Evra is set to be offered a 12-month contract extension. They add that his deal is currently worth around £85,000 a week.
Does Young get 50% more than Paddy?
The two biggest and most famous football clubs in the world. By 10pm tonight, one of them will be knocked out. No wonder the game is being hyped up. 75000 lucky people at Old Trafford and a worldwide television audience of billions will be watching. You just can’t imagine the excitement being anywhere near the same if the two smaller clubs in Manchester and Madrid were playing each other – Man City v Atletico Madrid!
The crowd will have a vital part to play tonight. I’ve been watching some old videos this week of United’s legendary season in the 2nd Division in 74/75. The capacity of Old Trafford was much lower then. United still attracted the biggest crowds in the country, even though they were temporarily out of the top flight, and the noise that 45000 or so fans made in those games was deafening. If you were there like I was, you’ll know what I mean.
Tonight there’ll be 75000 at the ground, the vast majority of whom will be cheering United to victory. If you’ve got a ticket, make sure you shout yourself hoarse, and play your part in what will be a night to remember.
OnlyDale: Think we have the away goals sorted just fine. Some lad was arguing with me about a 2-2 going to extra time and I had to sort him out. Don’t think it hurts anyone to ask an honest question does it?
You don’t have kids I imagine?!
Sir Alex says: “People ask me why I don’t retire after so many years in the game but how could anyone with an ounce of passion for football in their soul voluntarily walk away from the opportunity to be involved in this type of occasion? This is what it is all about – a packed Old Trafford, the floodlights on, the pitch glistening and two of the greatest and romantic clubs in the game about to do battle.”
“Manchester United and Real Madrid are indelibly written into football history, with so many great players gracing the stage here over the years, and from time to time enjoying the glory that comes with winning this most elusive of prizes.”
“The tales of ‘derring-do’ as we strive to prove we are the best in Europe illuminate the seasons and I like to think that the pioneers like Sir Matt Busby and Santiago Bernabeu, the president of Real Madrid who gave his name to the stadium, will be up there smiling and as excited as the rest of us at the prospect of another dramatic night featuring the best that the game can provide.”
To much of a love fest going on for me Fuck Madrid and Fuck Ronnie,what’s with all these threads.Ronnie gave the fans grief for years couldn’t wait to get out and Madrid are a bunch of cunts or as Sir Alex called them the Virus
Former Real Madrid midfielder Ignacio Zoco, who scored an infamous own goal in the 3-3 second-leg draw at Santiago Bernabeu which allowed United to progress to the final in ’68 says:
“Old Trafford is wonderful. It’s always a pleasure to play there. It has a special flavour. The game was spectacular, there was a lot of expectation. In truth, I was afraid of Manchester, because the Manchester United team was fabulous.”
“In Bobby Charlton, they had a young player who was a joy to watch, a great player, a gentleman on and off the pitch. And George Best? I can’t even begin to tell you…”
@Wayne
totally agree with you mate.our fans should stop talking about Ronnie too much.its kinda distracting to be honest.people should rather concentrate on the bigger occasion and astutely stay behind the team.
One person I will be keeping a particularly close eye on tonight is Wayne Rooney. He’s been playing well but he hasn’t given me that keynote performance that is typical of a fired up Wayne Rooney this season yet. There have been too many doubters fora world class player like him. He is due a MONSTER performance and there is arguably no stage bigger this. (Barcelona maybe?) COME ON WAYNE it is time to prove the fuckers wrong. I expect a monstrous performance from him tonight from start to finish.
And they would write that sentence as well for us toninght..
viva Ryan Giggs, viva Ryan Giggs, running down the wing…..
I have this horrible horrible feeling the virus will get the resutl they needed like a 2 2 draw, my only hope? We r sound at the back these days, but is that enough? I doubt it
Wayne – I am still bitter towards ronaldo, because I feel we never got the fair share of his talent, for me he should have given us a full 4 years at his best, after the hard graft we put in with his first 3 years, not 2 great ones and his final one that was half assed. He should have left in 2010, and we all could have been happy knowing he has given us a fair share of his best work, not a taster. Has soon as he became great, he could not wait to abondon ship, like the RMS Titanic
most difficult game of the season
we must be perfect to win
we speak about ronaldo but i don t think he will score tonight
ozil di maria alonso are danger man
hope carrick will win the match against ozil
0-0 will be good!!!!!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2288293/Cristiano-Ronaldo-From-Manchester-United-boy-wonder-Real-Madrid-monster-pictures.html
What will be will be. Ronaldo coming back is another tale for another time. Winning and pushing forward to a treble is what’s important to United and SAF.
How good was Rudd, the pace and strength at which he turned in the box, I don’t think we have anyone who can do that now, maybe Pea, but his height is not quite there.
Folks now that jones has no chance of participating and has been ruled completely out what if we start ando in his place, even for 60minutes, he has that big game temperament and I’m optimistic he would flourish. Oh fuck
I’m really nervous and confused that’s why I think I’d make a bad coach
But come on, the kid can’t be bullied
Madrid used to by a dignified classy old Club in many ways until they appointed Maureen. He is a good coach but some of his nasty rude violent behaviour is classes and tasteless and is a blackmark on his career and any Club he plays for.
Re the tactics threat Scott posted, it is likely as noted that SAF will crowd the middle and push them to wings and shots from distance again which means that our wingers and WB’s will need to be at their best.
Let us not forget that for all of what people say about Madrid not crossing, they scored against us by crossing and Ronnie leaping like Godzilla to head it in, so I am to comfortable with the idea of players with the ability of Ozil, Di Maria and Alonso peppering us with crosses, Ronnie is to good to miss many. This means the pace at which we will have to close down crosses is frightening.
Some people say Rooney should have got tighter and not allowed such an easy cross to Ronnie to go unchallenged, I agree, but in his defence he must have been knackered and this is not his position, he is not always going to make the right decision and its not like he has years of experience defending crosses. As such, IMO there is a really strong case for having Valencia start,
John the Bapist. Please let us win our football match tonight
Ronaldo Ronaldo and Ronaldo.. all you can just talk about Ronaldo..
Tonight is what it’s all about. Last 16 of the CL and it’s being built up like it was the final.
That’s why you want to play for United and Madrid. These are special games and special
moments that very few other games can rival. It’s also why we feel we fortunate enough
to be fans of United, to be able to feel the buzz, excitement, anticipation and passion
generated by such huge events, the importance of which isn’t created by sky or canal + or
‘not fit to wipe you arse-with’ newspapers. The importance is the fruit of history and tradition
and epic encounters, great players and great visionaries whose efforts and passion paved the
way for such sporting spectacles. You can cheer for United or you can cheer for Madrid and if they’re your rivals you can cheer for the other one but either way you can’t ignore it. The world will be watching. Enjoy the match lads. Come on United.
I hope the place is rocking tonight!-to create one of this european night atmosphere is the key!-cum on you reds!!!!!!!!
To be frank, if united wants to win, they will have to perform far beyond the standard that we have seen. Real is not a pushover like few months ago. United will need to perform a battle like the one against Spurs. Anything less than that, United will need a bit of luck in defense and goalkeeping and a good teamwork n understanding in shutting down players. Although we had an away goal, but I never really think this match is going to be a goalless draw. I think it is either a win for one side or a draw with a number of goals.
I don’t really care about our formation, who play or who did not…
All I care about is united winning tonite…
I’m pretty sure we’re winning…
MANCHESTERLOGY~UNITEDLOGRAPHY
@ slayer – ” if united wants to win, they will have to perform far beyond the standard that we have seen.” – huh? You mean the standard where they almost nicked a win v RM and got them 12 points clear in the league?
Lets not go crazy on RM form, Barca were beaten by AC Milian who are struggling for a Champions League place, and who have now become predictable and IMO, Messi and others not on form, poor tactics. I think SAF is over hyping it a bit to make them overconfident, Barc did not play that well in either of the games with RM, RM did good, but Barca was sub-standard.
UNITEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEd
UNITEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDDDD
it’s crunch time baby, MADRID CAN SUCKT IT TODAY
@yustaq
in the few days I have had the same approach and I think we should always have that attitude unless someone is ålaying very badly or has dipped in form.
Don’t care who starts, I WANT TO WIN!!!!!!!
Mint: Real will wear their UNLUCKY Green strip for tonights tie at Old Trafford.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2288449/Manchester-United-v-Real-Madrid-Real-wear-green-change-strip.html …
If you need a break from CL mania. Have a laugh at Sh*tty erm … City
http://sportwitness.ning.com/forum/topics/norwegian-tv-station-apologises-after-mocking-manchester-city
Camon UNITED! Man UTD 3: Real MADRID 1.
I am so damn nervous, hope we dip in a good performance tonight.Ronaldo man marking wont be easy but we can still do it.Cleverly/Carrick combo plus an efficient aggressive winger like Valencia can do the job.Danny can play the role of a dynamic pressing attacker who can run all over the pitch, moreover Rooney’s fluency should further provide space for RVP.the rest is up to oldtrafford faithful, should rock it tonight.
Xavi Alonso has never played on a winning team at Old Trafford. Lossing all games he played in at Old Trafford with Liverpool.
Good omen?
NBI – I say both sides have to play on top of their game, to get through, when slayer says and I quote (United will need to perform a battle like the one against Spurs) even though spurs were lucky united did not win the game 2 or 3 0, esp if it was not for the ref not giving united a pen. For me, we really should have won the Madrid game, esp if RVP took his chances, so for me, despite the fact Madrid played very well first half, we go into the second leg I feel with a chance not taken, as I feel we should be going into the second game with a 2 or 3 1 lead, atleast a 2 1 lead, I just hope we have not missed a huge chance, but its OT, and at OT united can beat anyone
I don’t understand folks’ ask that we play this tight, cagey affair. Fucking out score them at the theater of dreams, simple as. Real’s defense is paultry at best, we’re at home in a rocking atmosphere. 90 minutes to light up the score board, may the best team win. Go for broke ffs, what’s the worst that can happen? Lose to Real in the CL? Who fucking cares? We’re not a 3rd division team in the FA Cup for christ’s sake, this isn’t about progression for gate fees. Lose to Madrid and our focus shifts to PL and FAC titles, win and we’re still on, on 3 fronts.
I’m not scared, I don’t fear Real. They’re quality but we’ve got the the horses to out score them at home, give it our best attacking go and let the chips fall where they may. I can’t remember a time I felt more disgusted than after losing to City last year with our “let’s not lose” attitude. That’s NOT United, that’s NOT what we do.
Put them to the sword and play for 90 minutes, give the fans what they want, attacking football and I could give two shits if that “fits right into Mourihno’s plans.” I don’t think they’re good enough defensively to deal with us.
Buzzing, can’t wait!
*** Xabi ***
FUCK. I’ve been nervous since I woke up. Have not been this nervous in a year. COME ONNNNNNNN!!!! SHOCK THE WORLD!!!!!!
Game time boys and girls. I’m revved up and ready to go. I hope the lads are too
10 years since last time. A Ronaldo again. A free-scoring Dutch Van up front for us. Fergie remains. Giggs still doing the business. Unfortunately, my own personal United hero, Scholes, is absent again.
Don’t think this Madrid team is as good as the one ten years ago, but that’s a good thing. Barthez let us down a lot in the CL but De Gea might be the difference tonight. Been counting down the hours today. Oscar Wilde said “This suspense is terrible. I hope it will last.” Well, until kick-off Oscar. Until kick-off.
It could be an exciting Champions League this year and it’s wide open and winnable and I hope we’re there.
I cant comment much tonight my hands are shivering out of excitement ,,,,all I can say is put on a strong team and beat the hell out of madrid ,,and I can for sure garen-damn-tee there will not be a draw for sure united win 2-1
CMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON
WE NEED ALL THE SUSPPORT AND POSTIVINESS TODAY
Uniteeeed, Uniteeeeeeeeeeeeeed, can’t imagine the feelings of those that are up there at OT.
UNITEEEEEED
I’m watching the highlights of our first league encounter vs madrid, that will set me right up for the game tonight, I’m really pumped up for the game.
I got this gut feeling that we’ll win the game, such a difficult game to predict the score-line
Apparently Rooney not in the squad?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/mar/05/manchester-united-real-madrid-live-mbm
United: De Gea; Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Nani, Carrick, Cleverley, Welbeck, Giggs, van Persie.
No Rooney
He is on the bench. BIG decision
Subs: Lindegaard, Rooney, Evans, Valencia, Young, Kagawa, Hernandez.
Rooney dropped due to his recent performances?
Imagine that Rooney … NOT IN THE SQUAD.
I am laughing my ass off at you losers.
Yeah omg I think we are going for a clean sheet ohhhh shit im nervous go lads go win win win
HA HA HA
The words ” I DONT YOU SO ” just dont fucking say it.
Surprising team selection. Glad Giggs is playing wide and not in the centre. Big night for Cleverley, I doubt he was expecting a start.
this seems very strange to me…. a standard 4-4-2 with welbz dropping deep i assume?
Rooney and kagsnotstarting .. Giggs nani and welbz start
Wow!!
I TOLD YOU SO.
Daniel if im gonna kick ur ass some day who the hell are u calling lossers u troll on our site get the hell out of here dont spoil the environment
sky sports saying that giggs is in the CAM role and welbeck is wide left, doubt thatll be the case though…
WOW Rooney does not start and giggs starts. That’s kind of a surprise. nice to see Rio and Vidic back in defence together. Hopefully they put on the performance of their lives tonight. Anyways, I don’t care just fucking WIN THIS GAME!!!! COME ONN LADS.
@Daniel88
Well, it was only me repeating a rumour. So you mean loser, not losers. Plank.
And yeah. Imagine if Rooney was injured. Who ever heard of a football player picking up an injury and missing a match?
Ryan giggs ryan giggs roling down ryan giggs 1000 th legend sir ryan
United have the spirit.On the field players every player takes care of each other.I don’t care who is playing or not playing as long as the lads put their heart and soul to this game.Win or loose doesn’t matter.Just go out there and show those overpaid pricks what United is all about.Go for their throts.
Come onn United.
its like a beckham moment for the boss, 2003 fergie benched beckham, a decade later, against the same team, fergie benches rooney. Big game for nani, he fucks up, its his final chance blown
@ ahjs
Slow your role.
Not talking to you.
would prefer Rooney in the starting 11.
It’s a very fluid formation.Gigs can drift out to left and welbeck through the middle just behind RVP.Fergie will have the lads fired up for this.No point discussing about what should have done.The players need support more than anything in the world.
I think the reason rooney is not in the same field as nani is bcos the two doesn’t seem to get along
If you have kept an closer eye to them two together, rooney special doesn’t like the way nani play he gets easily upset and throw his hands about…….
I don’t know it could be due to the boot he received to cleverley in training or just a tactical set up, but still it is a really huge decision to exclude rooney from the first 11 it show how determined sir alex is to not show sentiments
Stateside it’s fucking mental Maureen getting a bad rap literally every fucking team he went to became better and won trophies.i might be out to lunch but but i think the last Portuguese team to win the CL apart from Porto had Eusebio playing for them.These idiots who say Maureen can’t win without money should check the timeline on Eusebio,i’m prepared to be proven wrong about this,but that’s what made Bestie so good.Benfica were quality and Best destroyed them at 20,so please don’t give me the one footed sprint wonder Bale is worth 50 myll,he isnt worth 25mill.If Utd got him he’d be better but right now he’s a sprinter with a left foot