Real Madrid vs. Manchester United, 2013 UEFA Champions League: Red Devils thrilled with 1-1 draw

Update: Real Madrid 1-1 Manchester United, match report

So close for Manchester United!

After that early bit of pressure, it was back to what we saw in the first half with Real Madrid camping out in the Manchester United side of the pitch, while attempting to chip away at the Red Devils’ defense. Ángel Di María fizzed a ball just wide in the 53rd minute after Madrid lulled United’s defense to sleep a bit and Di Maria was allowed space just outside the box to unleash a shot. No United players closed him down, but the accuracy simply wasn’t there yet again.

Right after the change, Fábio Coentrão was denied at the back post by a wonderful kick save from David De Gea. Coentrão didn’t get the best contact on the ball, but it still was heading in if not for the Spanish goalkeeper’s quick reaction.

The fans, the pageantry, the Champions League theme, it really doesn’t get any better than this.

Just a quick look at the contrast of styles early. Madrid are building up through the midfield, taking advantage of their clear superiority in that part of the pitch. United are looking fairly defensive, despite the attacking lineup that Alex Ferguson put out. United’s main source of attacks have been long ball attempts trying to catch Madrid’s high defensive line.

With Raphael Varane struggling with an injury, Mourinho has picked Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos at the back. Pepe has recently returned from injury, but Varane’s form has been superb as of late. Michael Essien, who has also been in good form recently, does not start as Mourinho looks to attack.

For more on the Red Devils, check out Manchester United blog The Busby Babe. For more on Los Merengues, head over to Real Madrid blog Managing Madrid.

Real Madrid and Manchester United’s first leg tonight throws up many questions about how each tea will line up and how they’ll look to progress. SB Nation’s Soccer staff pore over the details of both teams....

Ryan R: But would he play Essien in place of Xabi Alonso or in a three-man midfield?

The stature of the two managers is so great that it has won headlines away from a clash of arguably the two most successful teams in world football -- Manchester United and Real Madrid.

No club has been crowned champions of Europe more than Madrid, who have been the best of the continent nine times. United lags well back with three European titles, but their 19 Premier League/First Division titles are more than any other team in the world’s most popular league.

Mourinho wants his third Champions League title with a third club. Real Madrid wants to be the first team to reach double digit European cups. These facts are nothing new, we know it’s the case, but other circumstances surrounding Real Madrid’s season have amped up the pressure concerning the Champions League.

When the season kicked off, everyone associated with Madrid, fans and staff alike, wanted to win the Champions League. Now they basically have to win it because they won’t be winning the league and there’s a really good chance they won’t be winning the Copa del Rey either.

With the more talented squad, at home, Mourinho probably won’t try anything too crazy, but it’s still very difficult to predict his team for the match.

Alex Ferguson vs. Jose Mourinho: Ultimately, players decide games. Especially players of the quality that Madrid and United have, who can destroy tactical gameplans with one moment of pure brilliance. These are two of the most intelligent and adaptive managers in the game, however, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see this tie turn into a chess match. The above lineups could be completely wrong, and no one would bat an eyelash. Always expect the unexpected from Mourinho and Ferguson.