Real Madrid vs Man Utd Preview, Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Manchester United are in Spain to take on the mighty Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 encounter on Wednesday night.

United arrive in Madrid in excellent domestic form having extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to 12 points with a 2-0 win over Everton on Sunday, and are currently unbeaten in their last 14 games in all competitions.

However, they will be facing the most successful club in the history of the Champions League tonight with the 9-time winners in ominous form themselves and head into the game off the back of a resounding 4-1 win over Sevilla on Saturday night.

Jose Mourinho’s men will be looking to Europe as their priority during the second half of the season with the La Liga title almost certainly heading back to the Nou Camp, with Real sitting third in the table and a full 16 points off the pace.

All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo tonight as he takes on his former side for the first time since leaving Old Trafford in 2009 while there will also be an interesting sub-plot on the sidelines as old foes Sir Alex Fergsuon and Jose Mourinho face-off against each other once again.

Team News

Real Madrid will welcome back midfielder Xabi Alonso after the former Liverpool man missed the weekend’s action with a minor groin complaint. But he’s trained this week and is expected to return along with Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira who were rested against Sevilla.

Defender Pepe is also likely to play after recovering from injury and is expected to take his place alongside Sergio Ramos at the back. The good news for United is that Madrid captain Iker Casillas is out with a broken finger so Diego Lopez will continue in goal.

United will be without Paul Scholes for the game with the experienced midfielder out with a knee problem. Ferguson will assess the fitness of Jonny Evans and Phil Jones before the game after the pair were forced off against Everton on Sunday with minor knocks.

If fit, Jones is expected to play on the right of midfield to help Rafael deal with Ronaldo – much like he did with Gareth Bale against Tottenham last month. Ashley Young is also back in contention but may have to make do with a place on the bench with Fergie likely to stick with the hard-working Giggs on the left.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score & Competition

Manchester Utd have never been able to get the better of Real Madrid having registered two defeats and two draws in their recent encounters. Stopping Ronaldo is going to be key tonight but it’s easier said than done and we can see Madrid edging this one, but back United to get that all-important away goal to take back to Old Trafford. Real Madrid 2-1 Man Utd

While tonight’s game may go a long way to shaping the two-legged tie, the second leg at Old Trafford is going to be the deciding factor in determining which team reaches the quarter finals and Bwin are giving you the chance to win two tickets to watch Man Utd vs Real Madrid at the ‘home of football’ on the 5th March.

All you need to do to enter is use the hashtag #HaveYourSayInMadrid or #HazteOirEnManchester when talking about the game on Twitter or visit http://www.bwinfanchallenge.com to find out more information about the competition and to see the full T&C’s.

What would your starting eleven be and whats your score prediction? Get involved in the comments section below.