Breaking down the Battle of Bernabeu

“The world is looking forward to it” said the Special One. And boy, is that true! The glamour tie of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 is upon us in a few hours. The Great Scot- Sir Alex Ferguson – pitted against the Special One- Jose Mourinho, is a war that has been waged 14 times before tonight, and Sir Alex, in spite of himself, has emerged as the victor just twice. Yet, if numbers were anything to go by, this fixture wouldn’t be half as glamorous and awaited. So what should we expect on the big day at the Bernabeu?

Mourinho, obviously, is in it to win it. Real Madrid have pretty much been knocked off their perch in La Liga. Though there is still the Copa del Rey to play for, an away leg at Camp Nou is yet to be played. A major honour like the UCL shall keep their season alive, and may be Mourinho’s job too. Hence, the strongest Real Madrid side beckons. Casillas – arguably the world’s best ‘keeper- returns. Arbeloa, Pepe, Sergio Ramos and Marcelo are pretty much no-brainers likely to feature in the tie. Mourinho’s midfield boasts of firepower- both on the field and on the bench. Germans Ozil and Khedira, and the Spaniard Xabi Alonso are most likely to man the midfield, thanks to their recent form, though the Premier League experience of Luka Modric and loanee Michael Essien keeps them in contention. The experience and the class of Kaka may not be overlooked, but we may as well find him on the bench yet again. The front three are obvious choices, so Angel di Maria, Karim Benzema and the former red Cristiano Ronaldo are most likely to take the field, with Gonzalo Higuain on the bench.

The Manchester United lineup for the night is more challenging to predict, with quite a few options and an injury here and there likely to rule some off. United, in comparison, are definitely the slower side of the two, with a few aging legs in the side. Sir Alex might pick a team to control, if not match the pace of Real Madrid. David de Gea in the goal, with Rafael and Evra on the right and left of the backline respectively- are sure to start, thanks to their great recent form and no real options for them. The centerbacks however have a few permutations. Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand are most likely to start. Ferdinand though would be a gamble, due to his pace – Ronaldo and Benzema will be no slower than Gareth Bale. Ideally, Chris Smalling or the prime-in-form Jonny Evans could fill in, but their lack of experience may show.

United might miss the versatile Phil Jones who has been outstanding lately, in man marking and defence. Michael Carrick is sure to start, with Anderson most likely to get the nod over Cleverley to partner Carrick. Valencia on the right wing, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie up front is pretty much the writing on the wall. But the left wing is a cause of concern for Sir Alex, with Nani out of sorts and Young injured. Ryan Giggs is unlikely to be risked and put on the same flank as the rampaging Ronaldo. Ideally, Phil Jones could have been the marker if not for his injury, but now Danny Welbeck, due to his sheer pace and hold-up play ability, may be the answer.

The game is likely to be very open, with Real Madrid firing on all cylinders from the first whistle. United, shaky at the back for a while now, may as well concede first. Cristiano Ronaldo is sure to keep most of the backline very busy, while Rafael is likely to keep di Maria quiet. Antonio Valencia may be asked to monitor Ronaldo if he operates centrally, and the Reds are likely to rotate their frontline and cause Pepe and Ramos some concern. We may as well see Rooney dropping deep in pressure situations to bolster the midfield. Rafael and Valencia on the attack will be a challenge for Marcelo, and Real could be vulnerable on their left wing. Both the sides have shown a weakness in defending setpieces around the box, so danger will be prowling. Rooney and RVP will be hoping to catch Casillas in his rusty feet, and score the all important away goal- the Holy Grail in knockout UCL matches.

Overall, we can expect a rough ride for both the teams, a few knocks and yellow cards whipped out too often. But looking at the overall quality of the teams, the arrival of Robin van Persie in Manchester notwithstanding, this match is sure to be more than a one man game- be it Ronaldo or Robin. Los Blancos have the upper hand for tonight and after dominating in the first half, they are better placed to score in an open, end to end second half. They are likely to emerge victorious by a goal- or at the least, they may draw. But United will get an away goal for compensation, which will set it up for the return leg in Manchester. For the return of Ronaldo. The game the Comeback Kings might thrive on… Another game the world will wait with a bated breath to see…