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| real madrid vs manchester united Flash of Red Leaves United Speechless |
Real Madrid Vs Manchester United Flash of Red Leaves United Speechless
It was, in many ways, surprising. After all, this was Ronaldo’s first game at Old Trafford since he left United, and his goal with about 20 minutes remaining gave Madrid a 2-1 lead on the night, a 3-2 aggregate lead in the two-game series and essentially secured its passage to the Champions League quarterfinals. If ever there was a situation to celebrate, this would seem to be it.
But Ronaldo stayed calm, as if not wanting to rub it in on his former team. And on the sideline, his manager, José Mourinho, who memorably sprinted along the touchline after his team scored an important goal here nine years ago, stayed under control, too. For both, the reticence seemed a tacit acknowledgment of the bizarre and contentious circumstances that led to Real Madrid’s victory.
Rooney finally entered in the 73rd minute, and he helped United press for a miracle in the final moments. But Real Madrid goalkeeper Diego López was stout as Los Blancos — who are essentially out of the Spanish league title race — advanced to this tournament’s final eight.
Of course, none of the players’ performances will be remembered as much as that of Cakir, whose decision brought a stream of vitriol from the United players at the final whistle. Rio Ferdinand led a charge of United players who stamped after Cakir, with Ferdinand sarcastically applauding in the official’s face before being led away by his teammates.
Afterward, none of the United players spoke to reporters, reportedly on instructions from management. Ferguson also stayed away, remaining in a dressing room that Phelan described as “very distraught.”
He added: “Playing Madrid with 11 men is very difficult. We feel very disappointed that we ended the game with 10 men.”
