In what was one of the most anticipated encounters in recent years it was Real Madrid who defeated Manchester United. The home team went in front after a own goal by Sergio Ramos at the start of the second half. All momentum was on United's side through the whole match but that all changed in the 56th minute after referee Cuneyt Cakir sent off midfielder Nani for a unnecessary high challenge on Alvaro Arbeloa.
Real Madrid won 3-2 on aggregate
After the red card it was Real Madrid who took control of the game and they were even just 10 minutes after the red card. It was Croatian midfielder Luka Modric, who replaced Arbeloa soon after the red card, who scored a stunning strike from well over 20 yards which went in off the post.
Just two minutes later Ronaldo doubled Real's goal account and the visitors never looked back. The Red Devils applied the pressure even with just 10 men but could not score any more goals.
Jose Mourinho admitted his team were lucky to win the match
“It was an emotional moment. I can say only one word: unbelievable,” Ronaldo said. “The supporters made me feel shy, so I think in the two games I didn’t play like I play all the time, at the same level. I feel happy because Real Madrid are through but a bit sad because United are out.” Asked whether he could return for good one day he said: “Come back to United? In the future you never know because the supporters and the club are massive. At this moment I am very happy in Real Madrid and it’s where I want to be.”
After the match Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho admitted the better team lost last night.
