Manchester United v Real Madrid as it happened

That is your lot for tonight though. It has been eventful. Thanks for all your messages and catch you next time. Over and out.

Cristiano Ronaldo to Sky Sports: "The reception was unbelievable. It was an emotional moment for me, for both games, especially tonight.

"I do not have words to explain how I feel. The supporters made me feel shy as I did not play how I play all the time.

"Anyway I helped my team, and I feel a little happy inside, on the other hand I feel sad as Manchester United are out.

"To be honest I did not see what Nani did, but these situations happen in football.

"The future we never know, but the supporters here and the club are massive. At this moment I am very happy in Madrid and I want to be there."

We'll leave you with the words of Cristiano Ronaldo though who has just been chatting with Sky Sports.

The recriminations have only just begun. Real Madrid won't be losing too much sleep on Nani's red card, they have a tenth European Cup to win. They and a classy Borussia Dortmund side are the first teams into the last eight.

Juventus are overwhelming favourites to join them tomorrow with a 3-0 aggregate lead over Celtic. while Paris St-Germain have a one-goal advantage over Valencia. Tom Rostance will guide you through those events.

Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir was taking charge of his third Manchester United match tonight. His previous two passed off without attracting much attention - a defeat against Athletic Bilbao in last season's Europa League after a Champions League draw with Benfica in 2011.

However the Turk sent off Chelsea captain John Terry against Barcelona in last year's semi-final second leg at the Camp Nou, and dimissed Mario Balotelli in Manchester City's 1-0 win over Dinamo Kiev in 2011.

The backlash to the backlash has started on Twitter though...

Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan: "I think it was a disappointing decision, I think it spoilt the game, we have to move on. I have said it before, to play Real Madrid on a magnificent occasion, with a massive audience around the world and everyone will be sitting wondering what has happened. A great performance was marred by one decision."

Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso on Sky Sports: ""It was a difficult decision to take from the referee, but we have seen in many previous games that it can be harder playing against 10-men. We produced our best minutes after the sending off.

"After that, United pushed really hard and it was difficult not to concede and our goalkeeper was fantastic.

"We knew it was a key week for us, we were fighting, it was make or break. It has gone fantastically."

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho speaking to Sky Sports: "My feeling is that Manchester United were playing very well, were very compact and aggressive in a good way.

"They were very tactically well organised and the match was very difficult for us. I had the feeling Luka Modric changed the game as he brought qualities we did not have before.

"I doubt that 11 v 11 we win the match. Today I am frustrated as we played so well against Barcelona and today, I was waiting for more.

"I know Manchester United are giants, not just physically but mentally. I know they have a manager who can motivate then, but I was waiting for us to play in a different way."

Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan: "This evening everybody has witnessed a Ryan Giggs who has made 1,000 appearances for this football club, which is magnificent.

"The decision was tactical, regarding Wayne Rooney and Shinji Kagawa. In that dressing room everyone was prepared to play and everyone was fit."

Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan: "The manager is not in a state to talk to the referee about the decision. I think it speaks volumes I am here speaking now and not the manager of this fantastic football club. The decision seemed very harsh, possibly incredible at that moment in the game."

Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan: "We felt we had the tactics right, we were comfortable at 0-0 in the first half. We came out and scored a goal which put us in a commanding position. After that we were in reasonable control and created a couple of chances, but then the game totally changed. The decision as amazing but we had to carry on. Playing Madrid with 10 men is very difficult and we feel disappointed we needed with 10 men."

It is Mike Phelan who will face the press for Manchester United. He says that he has just left behind "a distraught dressing room" and a "distraught manager" and that is why he is on media duties.

Everton manager David Moyes on BBC Radio 5 live: "I think tonight Sir Alex Ferguson will be rightly as angry as he has ever been. The decision changed the game."

Forty-five minutes after the final whistle and there has still been no word from Manchester United in the wake of their exit. There might be something explosive brewing. Some expectant journalists are crowded around the top table at the post-match press conference.

On the Gareth Bale reports, striding in the front door the biggest match of the season would be a rather high-profile way of fuelling speculation over your future. However we have had it confirmed that it was the Tottenham player at Old Trafford tonight.

Whatever you think of referee Cuneyt Cakır's eyesight, there have been some interesting sightings off the pitch at Old Trafford tonight.

England manger Roy Hodgson was apparently at the game and greeted by Manchester United fans chanting the name of Rio Ferdinand.

There have also been some blurry camera phone pics doing the rounds on Twitter which purport to show Tottenham tyro Gareth Bale arriving to take up one of the posh seats. Difficult to say whether it is the Welsh wizard himself.

Retired referee Dermot Gallagher on BBC Radio 5 live: "[The decision was] harsh to say the least but in fairness the Real player did Nani no favours whatsoever. At worst Nani catches the underside of his arm, certainly not the ribs as the guy has gone down and shown.

"I can't reiterate enough that he [Nani] is watching the ball over his shoulder, there was no malice in him. At worst it was a yellow for dangerous play, but if I was refereeing that game I cannot se what stretch of the imagination where I would have sent him off for that."

It is amazing that even when he is being humble, Jose Mourinho does it in a show-stoppingly dramatic manner. The man is an attention sponge.

Everton manager David Moyes on BBC Radio 5 live: "I thought Luka Modric came on and made a difference for Real tonight. He made them neater and tidier and obviously scored a really good goal for them."

Listen to live commentary on Manchester United v Real Madrid on BBC Radio 5 live

Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane is a surprising supporter of referee Cuneyt Cakir.

"In my career I would think 'did I give the referee a chance to send me off?'. If I did, then it is out of my hands. I think that is the right decision. It is irrelevant if Nani meant to do it. He should be aware of the players around him. Does he think that he will have 20 yards to himself?," he tells ITV Sport.

I did not see that coming.

Jose Mourinho to ITV Sport: "Independent of the decision, the best team lost. We didn't deserve to win but football is like this.

"I am not speaking about the decision as I am not sure about it. Independent of that, the best team lost."

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has come out and delivered a corker in his first answer in his post-match interview. "The best team lost," he says. Full quotes to come.

It is not the full Chelsea v Tom Henning Overbo after the Blues defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals of 2009, but United are incensed. Sir Alex Ferguson shoots sight daggers across the pitch at Cuneyt Cakir as he heads back to the dressing rooms.

Everton manager David Moyes on BBC Radio 5 live: "I am looking from a manager's point of view and Manchester United have had hard time tonight. I think they have a right to surround the referee. The decision was poor and it has cost them the biggest prize in football."

Listen to live commentary on Manchester United v Real Madrid on BBC Radio 5 live

Jose Mourinho has already headed down the tunnel before the final whistle. As soon as Cüneyt Çakır blows up he is surrounded by Manchester United players. Rio Ferdinand is chief amongst them, clapping sarcastically in the official's face.

Everton manager David Moyes on BBC Radio 5 live: "Manchester United have done everything since going a man down, that was a brilliant header by Vidic."

Listen to live commentary on Manchester United v Real Madrid on BBC Radio 5 live

Everton manager David Moyes on BBC Radio 5 live: "I think those were two big opportunities for Manchester United to make the last five minutes tough for Real Madrid."

Listen to live commentary on Manchester United v Real Madrid on BBC Radio 5 live

Everton manager David Moyes on BBC Radio 5 live: "Real Madrid have gone back now how they started and just play a bit on the break, even though it is 11 v 10. They know they have the game won."

Listen to live commentary on Manchester United v Real Madrid on BBC Radio 5 live

Everton manager David Moyes on BBC Radio 5 live: "That is incredible. That is a terrible decision from what I can see. That is a really poor decision by the referee. It was never a sending off and this could really change the game. Danny Welbeck will need to come out and play on the left and it will be interesting to see what Sir Alex Ferguson does. He still has the best players out there for him, but it is going to be a long encounter."

Listen to live commentary on Manchester United v Real Madrid on BBC Radio 5 live

Everton manager David Moyes on BBC Radio 5 live: "There were bits of good fortunate about the goal but Manchester United created it because they kept the ball alive and in the box and forced Real Madrid into making decisions. Real need to come and get a goal now and I have always felt Manchester United looked lined up for counter attacking and Madrid have to come at them."

Listen to live commentary on Manchester United v Real Madrid on BBC Radio 5 live

Sir Alex Ferguson talking to ITV Sport: "We continue the way we are doing. We are playing with great speed and we must take our chances.

"The concentration has been good, it is essential that is 100%. If we keep doing that it gives us a better chance."

At the other end of the age scale, Raphael Varane has been giving Manchester United a glimpse of what might have been. Sir Alex Ferguson was in for the teenager when he was at boyhood club Lens, but lost out to a strong Madrid offer championed by Zinedine Zidane.

The 19-year-old was born two weeks before Ryan Giggs helped Manchester United lift the Premier League trophy in 1993.

Too true. Ryan Giggs looks like a ageing maestro on a Sunday League team, strolling around, prompting those fresh faces and eager legs around him with telling, probing passes.

Not quite the goal-packed mutual attacking blitz that some expected. Instead it is an absorbing, tense affair that Manchester United have created the better chances in.

After a strong start, Real Madrid's attacking artistes looked like they were suffering a bit of a mental block towards the end of the first half. With the scoreline balanced though, it only needs one Real goal though to send United behind and change the whole tone of the evening.

Everton manager David Moyes on BBC Radio 5 live: "Sir Alex Ferguson will be happy with that and I don't think Jose Mourinho will be too disappointed either. I thought Real were quite brave in the first half but I think both managers will be happy."

Listen to live commentary on Manchester United v Real Madrid on BBC Radio 5 live

Everton manager David Moyes on BBC Radio 5 live: "I think Sir Alex Ferguson will be pleased with how his team are playing and the way the game is going. He won't be too disappointed. Ronaldo has been very quiet, but there could be any moment when he comes to life."

Listen to live commentary on Manchester United v Real Madrid on BBC Radio 5 live

Everton manager David Moyes on BBC Radio 5 live: "Michael Carrick has been sitting there, but I'm looking at how good Mesut Ozil is. Carrick has a specific job to do and maybe tonight is a night when he won't be the best player, but he will be a real team player."

Listen to live commentary on Manchester United v Real Madrid on BBC Radio 5 live

Everton manager David Moyes on BBC Radio 5 live: "Both teams are having their moments. Whenever they go up the pitch opportunities are arising, the disappointing thing for both teams at the moment is the quality of the corners."

Listen to live commentary on Manchester United v Real Madrid on BBC Radio 5 live

Everton manager David Moyes on BBC Radio 5 live: "There are top players in every position and every one of them is trying to win their individual battle, not just physically but also psychologically."

Listen to live commentary on Manchester United v Real Madrid on BBC Radio 5 live

Everton manager David Moyes on BBC Radio 5 live: "I first thought it was over the line! It was a terrific effort against the post."

Listen to live commentary on Manchester United v Real Madrid on BBC Radio 5 live

Everton manager David Moyes on BBC Radio 5 live: "Manchester United are starting to get a bit more into the game now. They are definitely trying to get in behind Real Madrid at any opportunity. They are looking a threat now."

Listen to live commentary on Manchester United v Real Madrid on BBC Radio 5 live

Everton manager David Moyes on BBC Radio 5 live: "Real Madrid are pressing Manchester United at the moment and that was a half chance, if he could have got his shot through the legs of the defender the goalkeeper was unsighted."

Everton manager David Moyes on BBC Radio 5 live: "We have seen so many Gareth Bale goals of a similar type recently we were expecting that Ronaldo free kick to fly over the wall and find the target, but fortunately for Manchester United it hit the wall. Manchester United have not had any flow to their play yet, it is like Manchester United are saying 'we will let you come on to to us and then try and pick you off'."

Listen to live commentary on Manchester United v Real Madrid on BBC Radio 5 live.

Real Madrid will play in their dark green away shirts tonight, which is a bit of a shame.

Everton manager David Moyes on BBC Radio 5 live: "This is a tremendous occasion and a reason why we all follow football. This has the makings of a fantastic night and hopefully we will get a good game."

Listen to live commentary on Manchester United v Real Madrid on BBC Radio 5 live

Manchester United have cut the public address system early this evening to help the atmosphere breathe a bit and lure people into the stadium early. It looks like it has worked a trick.

A massive red, white and black mosiac fills the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand as the players walk out into a bubbling cauldron of noise. Cristiano Ronaldo looks about, his expression unreadable, as he drinks it all in.

Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane, speaking on ITV: "It surprised us all that he [Sir Alex Ferguson] left Wayne Rooney out. We have to trust the manager a bit tonight but in terms of the way Wayne carried on in the last year of his [previous] contract, maybe he has decided to go about getting Robin van Persie up and running. Maybe the writing is on the wall for him."

Sir Alex Ferguson on ITV Sport: "It is one of these situations where we regard the qualities of Real Madrid with Xabi Alonso as controller of the team. Young Shinji Kagawa found it hard to do that defensive job in the first leg.

"Danny Welbeck is the best in our team at that, and that is the reason I have selected him.

"Wayne Rooney needs a game or two. He did well in the second half against Norwich, but he looked like he needed a game. He probably will come on in the second half and win the game for us!"

Real Madrid have followed the Manchester City template since their arrival in England for the game, training at the Etihad Stadium and staying at the same hotel that City. If they can repeat City's 1-0 league win from the backend of last season, that would be enough.

Everton manager David Moyes on BBC Radio 5 live: "I think Sir Alex Ferguson has gone with his real men tonight - Vidic and Ferdinand at the back. Interesting that Sir Alex Ferguson has only one defender on the bench tonight, it is a very attacking squad."

If Wayne Rooney's nose has been put out of joint by his being left on the bench for this one, he is hiding it well. The England striker has arrived at the ground in jovial mood, laughing and joking with Rio Ferdinand as they made their way to the dressing room.

Both sides are coming into this match full of form. Real Madrid have won all four games since their first leg draw with United, beating Barcelona both in the league and Copa del Rey in the last seven days alone.

United have won seven of their last eight with that draw at the Bernabeu the only result to break their run. You would have to be a harsh judge to call that a hiccup.

Mouth-watering.

Former Manchester United striker Lou Macari on BBC Radio 5 live: "I was here 10 years ago and it was a great game. Plenty of goals and plenty of great individual games from great players. There is plenty of talent on both sides, but Manchester United are at home and they have players capable of winning on the night."

Some might draw parallels between Wayne Rooney's omission for this match and David Beckham being left on the bench for Real Madrid's visit in 2003. Or Ruud van Nistlelrooy being dropped for the 2006 League Cup final against Wigan. Both were on their way the following summer.

Those same people might point at the Times back page earlier this month linking Paris St Germain with a summer move for Rooney.

Me? I'm saying nothing.

Let's have a little nosey at that Real Madrid side shall we? When you name a bench as strong as their's, featuring Pepe, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Luka Modric, you can guarantee the first XI is pretty good.

I'd be having a shoot on sight policy with Diego Lopez between the sticks though. He looked shaky in the first leg and is a significant downgrade on Iker Casillas.

Everton manager David Moyes, who gave Wayne Rooney his professional debut, on Sir Alex Ferguson's decision not to start the forward: "It is a big surprise to many, but I am not as surprised as most though. Tactically Ferguson has had to pick a side that can cope with Real Madrid but also win. Maybe he can use Wayne Rooney in a different role by coming off the bench.

"I think Wayne will take the news well, like the professional he is. He will be disappointed he is not playing but the manager chooses the team he feels is the best to win and he feels Wayne should start on the bench tonight."

Mila Kunis? At Vicarage Road? That is almost as surprising as Wayne Rooney being named on the bench.

I'll believe the slightly optimistic rumours stem from her interview with BBC Radio 1's Chris Stark. I'll believe it when I see the Black Swan star getting stuck into some pre-match fried chicken.

It may feel that like every eyeball in the western world and beyond will be turned to events at Old Trafford, but there is plenty of football going on elsewhere.

BBC Sport's Howard Nurse at Old Trafford: "About 280 media at Old Trafford tonight. The normal figure is about 115-120. And journalists from around the world."

All eyes will inevitably be on the absence of Wayne Rooney, but should United fans be more concerned with Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick doing the heavy hod-carrying in the middle of the part in the absence of the injured Phil Jones?

And has Robin van Persie been good enough since he hurt his hip at QPR to justify keep his place up front ahead of Rooney?

So many questions posed by this selection from Sir Alex.

A hardworking starting XI with Danny Welbeck and Ryan Giggs alongside Nani as the three behind Robin van Persie. There is plenty of firepower on Manchester United bench. Is the plan to hold out and then pile on the big guns if Real get ahead?

What are your thoughts on that pick?

It also looks like Nani has been included with Shinji Kagawa left out. If correct, that is a brave selection from Sir Alex Ferguson. Nothing official yet.

Intriguing, Very intriguing. There are suggestions from journalists within Old Trafford that Wayne Rooney has been left out of the Manchester United starting line-up in favour of Ryan Giggs. We are chasing confirmation now.

Former Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune: "I remember when the great Ronaldo from Brazil scored hat-trick against Manchester United at Old Trafford and received great applause from all the fans There is a great respect for Real Madrid, but hopefully it wont be a loss [for Manchester United] tonight."

David Beckham, who earlier that season had been left with a cut over his eye after a dressing room argument with Sir Alex Ferguson, came off the bench on 23 April 2003 and scored twice as Manchester United beat Real 4-3 on the night. It was all in vain though as Ronaldo (the older, slightly tubbier version) hit a hat-trick to send United out 6-5 on aggregate.

You can listen to archive commentary of how that unfolded as part of a gloriously-retro montage on the BBC Sport website now.

United fans used to sing a little ditty about "that boy" Cristiano Ronaldo that began with observation that "he plays on the left, he plays on the right" and ended with a rude, but favourable comparison to David Beckham.

Fair to say that the home fans were not singing that on Real Madrid's last trip to Old Trafford.

Former Manchester United striker Lou Macari, speaking to BBC Radio 5 live: "When Ronaldo first came to Old Trafford people were saying he didn't have a great deal to offer but he got better and better and when he left, apart from Messi, he was and is without doubt the best player in the world. The same with Robin van Persie, he has got better and better and there are two match winners out there tonight."

Cristiano Ronaldo's last appearance at Old Trafford, before his £80m move to Real, was as part of the team that clinched the 2008-09 title with a goalless draw against Arsenal - matching Liverpool's record of 18 English titles.

Since then he has scored a frightening 158 goals in 152 games for his new employers. His boss said he was "probably" the best player ever. Even allowing for Jose Mourinho's hyperbole, it is safe to say he can play a bit.

If you get that prediction right, it might be worth picking some lucky numbers when you next down the newsagents.

As a little sideshow prediction game, why not see if you can predict what Jose Mourinho will get up to on this latest trip to Old Trafford.

Back on 9 March 2004, the then-Porto manager sprinted down the touchline and into English football consciousness as he celebrated Costinha's last-minute aggregate winner en route to Champions League glory.

In May 2005 he returned as his Chelsea side broke Manchester United's Premiership points record with a 3-1 win over United.

On 11 March 2009, Mourinho, now at Inter Milan, was alleged to have got into an altercation with a supporter after a 2-0 Champions League defeat. No action was taken by the police.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, writing in his Real Madrid programme notes: "This is what it is all about - a packed Old Trafford, the floodlights on, the pitch glistening and two of the greatest and most romantic clubs in the game about to do battle.

"People ask me why I don't retire after so many years in the game, but how could anyone with an ounce of passion for football in their soul voluntarily walk away from the opportunity to be involved in this kind of occasion?

"I like to think that the pioneers like Sir Matt Busby and Santiago Bernabeu, the president of Real Madrid who gave his name to their stadium, will be up there smiling and excited as the rest of us at the prospect of another dramatic night featuring the best that the game can provide."

There were hordes of fans outside the Real Madrid team hotel before midday, city-centre entrepreneurs selling half-half scarves to morning commuters and burger grills fired up hours ago around Old Trafford. Even today's tram announcements have been in Spanish for the sizeable contingent of travelling fans.

The sun has dipped below the horizon now and one of those spell-binding European nights is just beginning.

"The world will stop to watch." That is how Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho imagines going-ons outside Old Trafford as his side set about converting a 1-1 aggregate scoreline into a place in the last eight.

He may be right, but Manchester has already more than made up for 90 minutes of global inactivity.

A billion global followers, £800m of footballing talent, 246 years of history, 51 domestic titles, 12 European Cups, two returning Premier League legends, but, tonight, only one winner.

This is Manchester United v Real Madrid in the Champions League and that tingle in the air is because football doesn't get much bigger.

Welcome aboard.