Analysis: Manchester United 1 Real Madrid 2

Champions League, Tuesday 5^th March 2013

Manchester United suffered a galling defeat to Real Madrid in what was a titanic encounter at Old Trafford. United’s tactics appeared spot on, and they capitalised when Sergio Ramos inadvertently knocked the ball into his own net. An unjust red card on Nani however changed the game and two quick goals from Madrid settled the tie. Here’s some brief analytical thoughts on the match:

A trio of tactical phases

The game could be considered to have gone through three main tactical phases; one leading up to Nani’s 56^th minute red card, one in between the red card and Madrid’s second goal, and one from Madrid’s second goal until the end of the game.

Up until the red card, United held the upper hand. Danny Welbeck man-marked Xabi Alonso in order to cut off Madrid’s main supply line, and the team in Red defended stoutly as the Spanish champions failed to create any clear chances. United were mainly attacking on the counter, with Nani and Welbeck particularly important in running in behind the Madrid defence, with Robin van Persie holding up the ball and bringing others into play. This game-plan worked perfectly until the red card.

After the red card Jose Mourinho brought on Luka Modric into midfield, and the little Croat played more advanced and more creatively than Sami Khedira had previously in that position. Danny Welbeck moved out left, and suddenly Madrid were able to take full control of the midfield, and two goals resulted. One can only wonder if a Sir Alex Ferguson tactical reaction would have yielded any different results.

After Madrid took the lead, they then sat off and failed to take command of the game, thus United continued to create chances. The extra man for the Spanish side told however as the Red Devils could not win the ball back as quickly as they may have done with 11 men. For the last 20 minutes, United created and probed with great spirit, but eventually couldn’t find a way through.

1000 and still going

Ryan Giggs clocked up 1000 professional football appearances with his appearance against Real Madrid, and was United’s star of the show. The 39 year old showed unrelenting fitness and desire, defensive rigidity, and attacking flair. Giggs lasted the full game after 90 minutes of running, harassing, and intent. It was a truly remarkable performance from a truly remarkable player, and had United won the game it may have gone down in history. No-one can really know how long Giggs will play on for, but judging by his dynamic performance against Madrid, it could be a long while yet.

Going Forward

This was a game of many positives despite its overriding disappointment. Had it not been for Nani’s red card, United may well be celebrating one of the great European nights. The atmosphere inside Old Trafford was electric, and every single fan there deserves applauding. United’s players performed more than admirably on the pitch, with Giggs and Welbeck particularly standing out. Emerging from the ashes of a dramatic defeat, United will now look to get up and hunt down a domestic double, starting with an FA Cup quarter-final match at home to Chelsea this weekend.

Ratings

[4-2-3-1]: De Gea-8, Rafael-8, Ferdinand-7, Vidic-8, Evra-7, Carrick-7, Cleverley-7, Giggs-9*, Nani-7, Welbeck-9, van Persie-7

(Rooney-6, Young-6, Valencia-7)

*Man of the match