Matchday Musings: Manchester United 1-2 Real Madrid (Agg. 2-3)
Read an in-depth analysis of the UEFA Champions League game between Manchester United and Real Madrid at Old Trafford on Tuesday March 5, 2013.By Ali Al-Hassan
10:53 PM UTC 05 Mar 2013
Diego Lopez Was Sensational
Diego Lopez was brought in to take the place of Iker Casillas, who was ruled out with a hand injury for a few months and now he is a contender for possibly keeping his place in the starting lineup. A man of the match performance from the Spanish goalkeeper ensured that Real Madrid could qualify to the next round of the competition. Will Real Madrid bench Casillas once he returns? Highly doubtful but Diego Lopez is not one for the bench and he has proven it in a week where Real Madrid beat Barcelona twice and were able to progress against a great Manchester United side.
Diego Lopez Delivers A Man Of The Match Performance
Criticism Directed Towards The Referee
The referee, Cuneyt Cakir, was widely criticized by the Manchester United fans after the dismissal of Nani and an un-awarded penalty for the Red Devils. Firstly, the red card is a very understandable decision given that Nani jumped and his studs were high up, with Alvaro Arbeloa right there too. As for the penalty, that was an unfair call that referees sometimes make by mistake. Also, there was an un-awarded penalty to Real Madrid after Rafael used his hands inside the box. Either way, Manchester United played a great match that, on any other day, they could have won.
Did The Referee Influence The Match?
Ryan Giggs Plays Game Number 1000
Ryan Giggs, a legend of Manchester United and football worldwide, has played his 1000th official game. At 39 years of age, the midfielder has a lot to be proud of throughout his wonderful career and I’m sure everyone would like to see him continue for some more time. His 1000 games include 932 games for Manchester United, 64 games for Wales, and 4 games for the British Olympic Mens Football Team last year. A legend on and off the pitch, Ryan Giggs will never be forgotten…
Ryan Giggs, The Legend…
Sergio Ramos Makes Yet Another Crucial Mistake
Sergio Ramos is known as one of the greatest defenders around at the moment but he will need to work more on the mistakes he has been causing lately. Most notable are a last minute tackle on Adriano against Barcelona that could have resulted in a penalty, another similar tackle tonight, and an own goal which could have shaped the game if it wasn’t for Modric and Ronaldo scoring later on. These mistakes will not always be forgiven and Ramos will need to step it up very soon.
Sergio Ramos Needs To Step Up
Real Madrid Qualify
After the win against Manchester United, Real Madrid have now officially qualified to the quarter finals of the UEFA Champions League. The road only gets harder from now with the quarter-final draw to be made on March 15. Along with Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund have also booked a place in the next round after beating Shakhtar Donetsk 5-2 on aggregate
Real Madrid Reach The Quarter Finals
Ali Al-Hassan
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