Jose Mourinho reiterated yesterday the belief that Real Madrid can score more than once at Old Trafford to defeat Manchester United in Europe.
The English take back a 1-1 result for the second leg of their Last 16 clash with Madrid in the Champions League, but Mourinho does not see it as a clear away goal advantage.
Looking back on Wednesday’s draw, in which Cristiano Ronaldo cancelled out a Danny Welbeck opener, the Portuguese Coach reiterated the openness of the tie.
“We had enough chances to score more than one goal and we had the initiative in the whole match,” began Mourinho in his post-match Press conference.
“We played against a team who set up camp inside their area. I do not want to criticise, because they played their game and got a result that they like.
“We are perfectly able to score goals at Old Trafford. Lots of teams are doing so this season and none of them have our threat in attack.
“I like to play the first leg at home because when you play away first you have a tendency to be unhappy with a certain result and when you play away for the second leg you know what you need do.
“We arrive at Old Trafford level but Manchester United have the advantage. We have to score there to even up the tie.”
Madrid again conceded from a set-piece this season, with Welbeck’s header from a corner opening the scoring.
“If you see it on TV you can see what happened. We train, we organise ourselves, we define each player’s role, look at the videos to get to know our opponents’ strengths at set pieces, but when you lose individual battles there is no level of organisation that can stop it.
“We started well, Fabio [Coentrao]’s shot would usually go in, with the effect he put on the ball. They scored with their first attempt and we had to start from scratch.
“I cannot criticise United. They did their job well, defended well and left us no space. Maybe they did not play to win.
“But they have good players in attack and can create opportunities and score goals from nothing. It could have been 1-2 if it wasn’t for Xabi on the line.
“Even playing in that way, they did their job well and created chances. They’ll be going home happy, but they know that Real Madrid are also capable of going through.”
Madrid face away ties in both the Copa del Rey and Champions League with the same scoreline of 1-1. Mourinho was asked if he felt pressured to win both against Barcelona and United.
“I feel no pressure. I work hard and I’m going home content with what I have done and with my head held high. Sometimes you win and others lose.
“The two results are in the Champions League and the Cup are one-all draws, with the opponent with the advantage, but Real Madrid can score goals and win matches away.
“Does my future at the club depend on the results? No idea and I'm not worried about it.
“What would have been a fairer result against United? It doesn’t exist. In football, only the result counts and nothing else. We could have scored more goals and they would have been deserved if we had done.
“Despite being a little out of context with the football that they played, they also had clear chances and could have won. The expectations and excitement are high for the second leg.”
