Jose Mourinho has described Madrid's Champions League clash with Manchester UTD as "the match the world is waiting for". United head to the Bernabeu for the first leg on Wednesday, before the tie is decided at Old Trafford three weeks later.
Mourinho can't wait for the match to start
And despite the attractions of Bayern Munich taking on Arsenal and AC Milan facing off against Barcelona in the same round of the competition, Mourinho believes the tie between his own side and United is the main lure for spectators.
"It is the match the world is waiting for," Mourinho told MUTV.
He described Sir Alex Ferguson as a "good person"
"The world is not waiting for other matches in the Champions League, so I hope we can give the world what they are waiting for."
After Ronaldo bagged yet another hat-trick in Real's win over Seville last night, Mourinho flew into Manchester today to watch United overcome Everton at Old Trafford.
And, despite the impending battle, Mourinho was welcomed into Sir Alex Ferguson's inner sanctum prior to the 2-0 win, a sign of just how much affection the pair hold for each other.
"I feel privileged about that because he is such an important person in the world of football and, more importantly than that, he is good person," Mourinho added.
"I have always had a fantastic relationship and I am proud of it. We have had so many matches between us which started with Porto. We had some with Chelsea, Inter and now Real. At all of my clubs I have met Manchester United and Sir Alex.
"Of course, I want to win and he wants to win, but I believe the loser will have a little bit of space to feel a little bit happy because of the friendship, but I want to win."
Both teams are in fine form before the match as they both won their matches in the league at the weekend.
