HEROIC EFFORT ... Alex Ferguson praised his side's performance in Madrid
Last Updated: 14th February 2013
ALEX FERGUSON hailed United’s Bernabeu heroes and roared: “Now we’ve got a great chance.”
Danny Welbeck headed the Red Devils into the lead before Cristiano Ronaldo’s equaliser for Real Madrid.
So now it is all to play for in the second leg of this Champions League last-16 blockbuster on March 5.
Fergie said: “The players battled hard and it’s a good result for us. The tie is very open but I’m sure we’ll score at Old Trafford.
“We still have a big job on our hands but it is definitely within our grasp. Real are a great counter-attacking side and will be very dangerous because they have a lot of good players.”
Ferguson was quick to praise former United hero Ronaldo, who boosted Jose Mourinho’s side but was reluctant to celebrate scoring against his old club.
The Old Trafford boss said: “What a header. Unbelievable, you can’t stop that. The spring, the way he holds himself in the air, the power in the header.
MAN UNITED boss praises keeper and says his team will be more positive in the second leg at Old Trafford
“I said to Patrice Evra, ‘You didn’t challenge for that’. But when I saw the video I thought, ‘What was I talking about?’
“It was difficult for Cristiano playing against his old team. There was emotion for him because he had so many great years for us.
“But when he gets the ball you’re praying more than anything.”
Welbeck, who headed home Wayne Rooney’s 20th-minute corner, said: “It was great to score from a set-piece.
“I knew exactly where Wayne was going to put it. I thought I’d scored again later in the first half but their keeper just deflected it wide.”
SUNSPORT'S Shaun Custis and Rob Beasley give their verdict from the bowels of the Bernabeu
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4794404/Alex-Ferguson-hails-Manchester-Uniteds-Bernabeu-heroes.html#ixzz2KsYVhGMs
