United humbled in the Bernabeu

Real Madrid 3 Manchester United 1

Real Madrid 3 Manchester United 1

Raul gave Manchester United a double dose of Champions League misery in the Bernabeu Stadium tonight as holders Real Madrid took a giant stride towards the semi-finals.

The Spanish striker found the net either side of the interval after Luis Figo had put the home side in front with a brilliant curling effort to leave Sir Alex Ferguson's men staring at humiliation.

However, the Old Trafford men bravely battled back but could only muster a Ruud van Nistelrooy header in reply and with Paul Scholes and Gary Neville both picking up bookings which leave them suspended from the second leg, the chances of completing the revival on home soil in a fortnight look slim.

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Giggs drove a shot at Casillas after a Beckham cross had been diverted into his path, then van Nistelrooy picked up a booking for a blatant shove on Michel Salgado as he tried to rob the full-back who was delaying the taking of a goal-kick.

Scholes was then booked for a late tackle on Salgado. The incident ruled Scholes out of the second leg but the setback did not deter the visitors, who kept creating chances which, with growing frustration, they continued to spurn.

Neville was next to fire wide, an effort which proved to be his last meaningful involvement before he was replaced by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer four minutes from time. It proved to be a futile move.

Keane picked up a late booking for a foul on substitute Guti but Carlos fired the free-kick wide.

Full report to follow