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Team news and analysis

Real Madrid vs Manchester United is such a huge clash that every player dreams about taking part in it. However, veteran keeper Iker Casillas, new sensation Raphael Varane and influential winger Angel Di Maria will be nothing more than spectators on Wednesday night. All three Real Madrid stars are out injured. 

Portuguese defender Pepe warmed up for this Champions League clash with an appearance against Sevilla last Sunday. He should be fit to make the First XI. Jose Mourinho is likely to give Jose Callejon a rare start. The latter’s role will be to offer support to Karim Benzema who is set to keep his place upfront. Global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was taken off after the hour mark during Real Madrid’s 4-1 demolition of Sevilla last Saturday. 

In that league game, the Portuguese goal poacher signalled his readiness for Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League clash against Manchester United by netting a hat-trick which included a left-footed screamer. Ronaldo is expected to start on the left but it would be of little surprise if Jose Mourinho decides to unsettle Alex Ferguson’s plans by playing CR7 as a striker. 

For Manchester United, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans are doubtful. Meanwhile, experienced defender Rio Ferdinand benefited of a rest over the weekend and should be in top form to link up with Nemanja Vidic in defence. Traveling fans at the Santiago Bernabeu will put their hopes on the ageing pair to block Real Madrid’s scoring machine, Cristiano Ronaldo.  

In attack, Alex Ferguson is expected to deploy his best two strikers – English man Wayne Rooney and super summer signing Robin van Persie. The Dutch striker found the net to round up Manchester United’s 2-0 victory over Everton last Sunday and could give a strong headache to Sergio Ramos and company. Meanwhile, Mexican goal poacher Chicharito might be given a substitute role by starting the night on the bench. 

Antonio Valencia faced Cristiano Ronaldo a week ago as both men featured for their respective country – Ecuador and Portugal in an international friendly match. The Ecuadorian star finished on the winning side of a five-goal thriller. He could be used to terrorize Fabio Coentrao and company come Wednesday. Valencia could provide Manchester United  with the attacking flow they might need on the wings to score vital away goals against Real Madrid.

Last four UEFA Champions League meetings 

April 19, 2000: Manchester United 2-3 Real Madrid
August 4, 2000: Real Madrid 0-1 Manchester United
April 8, 2003: Real Madrid 3-1 Manchester United
April 23, 2003: Manchester United 4-3 Real Madrid

Facts

• Cristiano Ronaldo shares the top spot in the goal scorers chart with Galatasaray’s Burak Yilmaz. The Portuguese superstar is on his way to dethroning Lionel Messi who has scooped the last four UEFA Champions League top scorer awards.

• In the UEFA Champions League, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored six goals; that is the total number of goals scored between Manchester United’s top scorers in the competition – Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez.

• Robin van Persie has proven to be Manchester United’s most effective striker with 19 goals and seven assists in the English Premier League only. In Europe, Van Persie has three goals to his tally.

• Real Madrid are hosting Manchester United for the first time in 10 years.

• Manchester United are on a run of four consecutive victories in all competitions.

• Like Real Madrid, Manchester United have recorded three clean sheets in their last six matches in all competitions.

• Real Madrid used the 4-2-3-1 formation in five of their six group matches in the UEFA Champions League – winning twice, scoring 12 goals and conceding seven in the process.

• Manchester United used the 4-2-3-1 formation thrice in the group stages – winning twice, scoring four goals and conceding a couple in the process.

• Real Madrid hosted Manchester United's rivals Manchester City in the group stages. Los Blancos claimed a 3-2 victory with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the vital winner.

Prediction

Real Madrid and Manchester United are having very different league campaigns. Los Blancos have virtually no chance of defending their Spanish La Liga crown whereas the rampant Red Devils look set to dethrone bitter rivals Manchester City in the EPL. 

As Alex Ferguson stated on Monday, glory in the UEFA Champions League is a must for Jose Mourinho and his men. The pressure is firmly on Real Madrid. Fergie and ex-Chelsea coach Mourinho know each other well but the former knows Cristiano Ronaldo even better having managed him for six years between 2003 and 2009. 

One thing to note, however, is that a happy Cristiano Ronaldo means a great performance and a happy Real Madrid. This fact was proven last Sunday when CR7's hat-trick inspired Real Madrid to an entertaining 4-1 victory over Sevilla in La Liga. During his time at Old Trafford, the Portuguese star winger never failed to put a show against former club Sporting Lisbon. Will he be reliable for Los Blancos against Man United?

The public anticipates a great exhibition of Spanish and English football with a taste of Portuguese spices at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. Just like it turned out in previous meetings between Real Madrid and Manchester United, the match could be a high-scoring affair. Diego Lopez and David Gea can prepare for a very busy night.

Result: Real Madrid 3-2 Manchester United

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