Man Utd v Real Madrid: World will stop to watch, says Mourinho

 

Champions League: Manchester United v Real Madrid

  • Venue: Old Trafford
  • Date: Tuesday 5 March
  • Kick-off: 19:45 GMT

Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live; live text commentary on BBC Sport website & mobile devices

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho says "the world will stop to watch" Tuesday's Champions League last-16 match at Manchester United.

The tie is well poised after the two sides drew 1-1 in the first leg at the Bernabeu.

And Real coach Mourinho believes the game will live up to all the expectations of it.

"The world will stop to watch this tie. I doubt expectations can be bigger than for this one," he said.

Can this match the clash of 2003?

Brazilian Ronaldo

The last time Manchester United hosted Real Madrid at Old Trafford was in April 2003 in what is widely considered one of the greatest matches in European club competition.

Manchester United won 4-3 on the night but a hat-trick by Brazilian Ronaldo ensured Real progressed 6-5 on aggregate.

"Nobody knows what will happen because the teams are well matched."

Real arrive at Old Trafford after two "El Clasico" wins over Barcelona.

They first saw off their Spanish rivals 3-1 in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey on 26 February, before beating them 2-1 in La Liga on Saturday.

"Our feelings would be the same whatever those results," added Mourinho. "The first match against Barcelona put us in the cup final, the second was in a league - a league we cannot win - and this is the Champions League.

"They are independent competitions with independent feelings but of course it is better to come here in a period when the players are happy and the players have beaten a rival twice. The moment is fine."

However, United also head into Tuesday's encounter in excellent form.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side have not lost a game in any competition since 5 December, are into quarter-finals of the FA Cup after beating Reading 2-1, and have a convincing lead at the top of the Premier League.

"United are on a fantastic run," added Mourinho.

"They have reached the FA Cup quarter-final and they are winning the Premier League already in March. They don't lose a match in months but we are also in good form in 2013."