Sir Alex Ferguson is happy to be taking home a 1-1 result from Real Madrid, even if he admits that the Spanish could still knock them out of the Last 16.
United have a valuable away goal lead in this Champions League clash after picking up a result their manager admitted that beforehand they would have taken.
“Before the game, we would have settled for a 1-1. We know the Bernabeu is a difficult place to play,” commented Ferguson in his post-match Press conference.
“Real's home record is outstanding. In the first half I was disappointed that we defended so deep to allow Real opportunities for shots and crosses and [David] de Gea was superb.
“And in the second half we were better, we had more chances and were able to get a better result for the return leg, we are very excited to have scored.
“I think, as Jose Mourinho said, it is a 50-50 game now. It could go either way. It depends on who scores the first goal. The team that scores the first goal will have a good chance.
“Madrid are a great team and of course have a chance of progressing to the quarter-finals. They are one of the best teams in the world on the counter-attack.”
In his first game against his old team, Cristiano Ronaldo scored for Real Madrid.
“Cristiano had great years with us. I spoke to him. He [was] sitting in our dressing room [afterwards], talking to the lads.
“I'm proud to see how he has flourished. I don't know how you describe a goal like that. I blamed Patrice Evra for not challenging him until I saw the replay. Then I felt a bit stupid.
“His kneecap is almost at the same height as Evra's head. It shows how high he climbed but I have seen it before when he played for us. His spring is unbelievable, as is the power in his header.
“I don't know if there is a player in the game who can do that. Certainly Lionel Messi couldn't do that.”
