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Biggest game in Europe

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United versus Real Madrid is European football's ultimate glamour match.



The Reds travel to Spain for the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie, with the eagerly-awaited game taking place at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night.

It will be only the ninth time the two clubs have met - United have come out on top twice, Real Madrid have won three and there have been three draws. Sir Alex insists the opponents mirror United in terms of history and global appeal and feels there is no bigger game in the competition.

“I think it is [the ultimate match-up in the European Cup], probably even more than a United/Barcelona game,” he told Inside United.

“United and Madrid have that romance about them and that honour and worldwide appeal so it probably is the biggest game you can get in the European Cup.

“I think as soon as the draw was made there was that anticipation about the tie – it’s one that you really look forward to. It’ll be a fantastic spectacle between two of the biggest clubs in the world and if we can come back from Madrid with a decent result then we’ve got a great chance.

“I think we have a good chance of scoring there, I really do,” he added. “And if you do score then it certainly gives you a better chance when you get them back at Old Trafford.”

The match will, of course, reunite the Reds with Cristiano Ronaldo who has continued to develop into one of the game’s greatest-ever stars since his switch to Madrid in 2009.

Sir Alex keeps in regular contact with the Portuguese international who, he believes, will be given a hero’s welcome on his return to his former home.

“He’ll get a great reception when he comes out before the game [at Old Trafford] because he was such a fantastic player for us,” said the manager.

“But after that, when the game starts, they can boo him as much as they like! [Laughs].”

Spot on SAF about the game and Cristiano Ronaldo, i'm so excited for tomorrow.