The highly anticipated match between Real Madrid and Manchester United has finally arrived. The speculation can come to an end when the ball starts rolling at 2:45 PM EST at the Santiago Bernabeau.
Manchester United comes into this match as the winner of group H with four wins and two losses. Manchester won its first three matches by a single goal before clinching the top spot in the group with 3-1 win in Braga. After securing the berth, Sir Alex Ferguson resorted to benching his top stars for the final two matches and wound up losing. Manchester has gone 14 straight Premier league games without losing and has rallied behind Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney to put together a dangerous attack. David De Gea has improved his play in the last few weeks after scathing criticism about his technique and ability to play English soccer. Ferguson has stated on numerous occasions that he thinks the keeper is still young and maturing but is finally coming into his own. "It's like a young kid taking his first steps forward, he wobbles, then gets up, wobbles, then gets up again and eventually he walks. The boy is walking now," said Ferguson.
The biggest story heading into this game is Cristiano Ronaldo facing off against his former team. The Portuguese superstar has been very vocal about this matchup throughout the last two months. He has stated that he will not celebrate if he scores, but has also gone on record to proclaim Madrid the better team. "Cristiano is anxious; you want to start the game. He is in extraordinary physical condition," Michael Essien said about Ronaldo. Ronaldo has scored 14 goals in 2013, including two hat tricks.
The match also means a lot to coach Jose Mourinho. Mourinho has been heavily criticized for his club's poor form in the Spanish league and a number of scandals that have been revealed. He has stated that the Champions league is the most important goal for him this season. He is looking to be the first ever manager to win three champions league titles with three different clubs; he guided Porto to the top prize in 2003-04 and matched the feat in 2009-10 while coaching Internazionale.
"I am sure there is something personal for Mourinho," said striker Karim Benzema to The Sun. "When he was in England, every season he was fighting with Alex Ferguson for the title.
Madrid will win if... It channels the energy of the home crowd and pressures the weak Manchester defense and De Gea. Cristiano Ronaldo will be all over the field and it will be the job of the Madrid midfield to get him the ball.
Manchester Will Win if... It shuts down Cristiano Ronaldo. If the team allows Ronaldo to run rampant on the field, the pressure could allow them to crack and they will undoubtedly los.
Predictions: Madrid should win this. Expect them to play at their highest level. 3-1 for Los Merengues.
Start Time: 2:45 PM EST
TV Info: Fox Soccer Channel, Fox Deportes