IT´S ONLY HALF TIME

Story by Editor 9 April 2003

You can´t beat optimistic clichés.

A round up of quotes after last night´s match.

´I thought it was a fair result,´ Ferguson said speaking to ITV1.

´We had our moments, and our attacking play was good in the second half.

´We got that vital away goal, which may be the best thing to come out of the night.´

The best of the best

´Raul is so difficult to play against when he starts taking up the positions he did tonight,´ said Ferguson.

´He always seems to be an outlet for them and we never contained that part.

´We know Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo are great players but we could have handled that. Raul was very difficult.

´My only hope is that he doesn´t like travelling. Failing that, we will stop him coming into the country for the second leg.

´Real Madrid have bought some great players over the last few years but, at the moment, Raul is the best in the world.´

And on the loss of Scholes

´It is a big loss,´ he admitted. ´It´s important now that we get Juan Sebastian Veron fit.´

Gloating scouser Mcmanamanaman chipped in as well

´We shouldn´t have conceded a goal, it was very quiet in the dressing room after the game,´

´United started defensively and looked to hit us on the counter-attack.

´In the past United have never given us so much possession.

´I felt they backed off and gave us the ball.´

´I don´t know if we were a bit naive at 3-0 up.

´If it had finished like that the tie would have been over, but at 3-1 it is still alive.

Fernando Hierro added: ´It´s a good result although obviously the way the game was going 3-0 would have been a lot better.

´The goal gave Manchester more for the second leg but it is not a bad result for us. I still think Manchester United are a great team.´

However Del Bosque isn´t taking anything for granted.

´I think we had a good result but the tie is still wide open,´ Del Bosque said afterwards.

´We need to remember the way United played at Old Trafford last time we met. We led 3-0, but they fought back hard and ended up scoring twice.´

´We had a brilliant first half and just as importantly we knew how to control the game in the second against some very strong opponents.

´I think we showed that there were two teams out there with some great players and both with an attacking style. That came through in tonight´s game.´

He´s happy with 3

´It is true we could have won more easily, but United are a very dangerous team and had their own chances, although perhaps we deserved more out of the game.´

No favourites

´Raul was one of a number of great players in a brilliant game,´ he said.

´It was marvellous game with lots of goals, plenty of excitement and everything,´ he said.

´We played a good game, but the tie is still wide open.´

( RED ISSUE)

VIEW FROM THE PRESSBOX

Story by Editor 9 April 2003

The broadsheet´s reports on last night.

The Guardian

Manchester United can never have dreamed that they would look a 3-1 defeat in the face and greet it with civility. Gary Neville and Paul Scholes will be suspended for the return leg, but the second part of this quarterfinal is not wholly academic. A goal by Ruud van Nistelrooy halted a rout at the Bernabeu.

Primitive arithmetic states that a 2-0 win would send United through, but this was a game that demands more subtle calculations. Sir Alex Ferguson´s team, with a dogged desire to attack when possible, contributed to the drama. Even if they had to make do with a minor role, lesser sides would have struggled to get into camera shot at all against elusive Real.

United have to decide if this was a throwback to the cringe worthy nights of the early 90s or simply a rendezvous with a truly great team. The Old Trafford club could not cope with the searing build-up in midfield and here was reaffirmation that no one else quite has such delicate and deceptive touches as that otherwise robust midfielder Zinedine Zidane.

In under half an hour they were already 2-0 down and indebted to the referee Anders Frisk for not awarding a blatant penalty. This was meant to be a gathering of peers, but United, to their disbelief, had to rediscover what it is to be outclassed. Worse still, with the second leg in mind, it was hard to see what they can do about it.

United clung on last night, but success in this tie may already be beyond their reach.

The Telegraph

The night was dominated by the white of Real. Men against boys, sorcerers against apprentices: Real toyed with United brutally, spiriting the ball around Ferguson´s players with bewitching ease. Not until the 52nd minute, when Van Nistelrooy poached a reply, did United look involved. By then, Real had already struck thrice.

Real´s fantasy football guided United into an enveloping nightmare that even Van Nistelrooy´s goal could not wake them from. Zidane was sensational, guiding moves around the Bernabeu as if it were his private fiefdom, using all that fabulous technique for the good of the team and always working, working, never dipping in his diligence.

Raul was again the rapier, slicing through the English defence with those fine passes and deft touches. Figo also applied all his arts and crafts to Real´s rich work.

Figo´s wonderful goal will have meant more to him than simply his 20th goal in 95 appearances in European club competitions. If Real are intent on bringing in David Beckham, exploiting his rich talent and commercial appeal, then Figo´s place in the starting line-up of this extraordinary team would be in jeopardy. If this was a fight for the right, Figo´s industry down that flank, and his goal, eclipsed Beckham´s contribution. Also the creator, Figo released Ronaldo through on goal after 20 minutes and the Brazilian was clearly brought down by Brown. Anders Frisk waved play on and then, remarkably, ignored Barthez´s obvious handling offence two yards outside the box.

Outclassed, United still showed their character, seeking to achieve a mission impossible. When Gary Neville crossed from the right, Ryan Giggs´s snap-shot drew a close range save from Iker Casillas but Van Nistelrooy was on hand to head home.

The Times

Sir Alex Ferguson secured the away goal that he craved on a privileged evening in the Bernabéu Stadium last night. Shame about the three — and it could have been six — that flew into Manchester United´s net in the European Cup quarterfinal first leg.

On a night that should have been billed as An Audience with Zinedine Zidane, the last representatives of the Barclaycard Premiership were sliced apart by a Real Madrid team that will surely retain the trophy.

The world´s best side can acclimatise for the final at Old Trafford on May 28 when they come to Manchester in a fortnight and finish off the demolition of Ferguson´s ambitions. Real hardly need any help, but their task will be aided by the suspension of Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, both booked last night.

Luis Figo scored the first goal before two from Raúl, but every touch from Zidane proved why, in a squad of prodigious talent, he still manages to tower above his gifted team-mates. In a universal game played by billions, the Frenchman has a feathery touch and balance that makes him unique. "He is my favourite," Steve McManaman has said, although Zidane was enemy No 1 among a United midfield that was always a step behind his feints and flicks.

In Europe´s finest theatre of football, the Continent´s best team set out as if determined to teach United a lesson. Ferguson´s bullying might work in his own domestic playground, but he picked a fight that he could never hope to win.

The crowd were revelling in the rout, but it was not the job of the Real players to join in the celebrations, a mistake that they paid for when United claimed the away goal that reduced an impossible task at Old Trafford to the need for a highly improbable 2-0 victory. After Iker Casillas had tipped away Ryan Giggs´s shot, Van Nistelrooy nodded in the rebound. The Holland striker might have added a second soon afterwards, but for a brave block by the goalkeeper.

1402e ; -)

"In with a shout - Real Madrid 3 Man Utd 1 "
Ruud van Nistelrooy´s priceless away goal has kept Manchester United in with a shout of still making the European Cup semi-finals. But boss Alex Ferguson accepts the club are now facing their greatest-ever challenge to stay alive in Europe. United finished well beaten in the Bernabeu Stadium last night, as their quarter-final, first leg against the reigning champions went wrong. They have a mountain to climb at Old Trafford on April 23, yet Fergie remains confident his side still have plenty of surprises in store for the magicians of Real Madrid. He admitted: "This will be our greatest challenge. It is also a marvellous challenge for everyone at the club."
Neil Custis, The Sun

"Boys against magicians"
The gory art of Madrid bullfighting was made famous by Ernest Hemingway´s Death In The Afternoon. This savage butchery was more like Murder By Midnight as the exhilarating footballers of Real Madrid toyed with and then killed off England´s most celebrated club side of the post-War era. In a game that resurrected all the old traditions and magic of Europe´s premier competition, Real turned the clock back to Di Stefano, Puskas and Gento. And, true, Manchester United played their part in a game that matched and then exceeded even the wildest of expectations.
Sports writer, The Sun

"Strip Fergie of his title"
Uefa top brass want Sir Alex Ferguson stripped of his knighthood for suggesting the European Cup draw was fixed. Austrian FA chief Friedrich Stickler, who pulled out Manchester United´s name alongside Real Madrid for the quarter-final, is furious at Fergie´s allegation. The United boss has withdrawn his comments. But he was yesterday charged by UEFA - and could be SUED by the game´s ruling body in Europe. Stickler raged: "This is absolute nonsense. It is incredible. They should take away his title.
Neil Custis, The Sun

"Ruud lifeline"
Sir Alex Ferguson last night rounded on his Manchester United players after they slumped to a 3-1 Champions League defeat against Real Madrid in Spain. Although Ruud van Nistelrooy gave United a glimmer of hope with an away goal after Ferguson’s side had gone 3-0 down, the United manager expressed rare public criticism of his players. He said: “They were soft and you can’t do that at this level.”
Ian Ladyman, Daily Mail

"Alex has gone too far"
Alex Ferguson has created his own version of shock and awe down the years. His verbal explosions have sent tremors through both clubs and countries. Fans and media alike talk about their all-time favourite Fergie comments. But this time his mind games look to have gone too far. To suggest UEFA had fixed the draw for the European Cup quarter-finals strikes at the very integrity of the game´s ruling body.
Neil Custis, The Sun

"Ruud goal keeps United dreams alive"
Ruud van Nistelrooy grabbed a Champions League lifeline for Manchester United and silenced Real Madrid´s dressing room in a thrilling encounter at the Bernabeu Stadium last night. The Spanish team´s galaxy of stars were in breathtaking form for 50 minutes as they ripped United apart. But after van Nistelrooy headed home when Ryan Giggs shot was only pushed out by home goalkeeper Iker Casillas, United came to life. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted: "They mesmerised us at times with their passing and they´ve got some terrific players."
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror

"United burn in Bernabeu"
There is still life in Sir Alex Ferguson´s Champions League dream. But only because his team do not know the meaning of the word ´quit´. Battered almost to senselessness by the footballing artists of Madrid, United somehow emerged from arguably their worst European night since being hammered 4-0 by Barcelona in 1994 with a toehold in the competition. It was like watching a boxer drag himself back into a fight through sheer force of will, refusing to accept the inevitable. Tormented by Zinedine Zidane, proving himself the true inheritor of the traditions of the greatest club the world has produced, Ferguson´s men were out on their feet, and virtually out for the count.
Martin Lipton, Daily Mirror

"The Real world proves far too hot for United"
With a bag of tricks far more inventive than underhand, Real Madrid proved to Sir Alex Ferguson last night that history can be achieved without the histrionics. This was fantasy football without budget restrictions, a dazzling demonstration of why there was never any need to resort to the kind of tactics Manchester United’s manager spoke of on the eve of this absorbing Champions League encounter. In the Santiago Bernabeu stadium Vicente del Bosque’s side were magnificent, all but ending this quarter final as a contest with three wonderful goals from Luis Figo and Raul, who scored twice, in the first 48 minutes.
Matt Lawton, Daily Mail

"It’s back to school for Becks as Keane machine splutters"
David Beckham, it seems, has been making enquiries about the primary school in Madrid. But, on the evidence at the Bernabeu last night, he is being presumptuous in believing he could get into this Real Madrid side. Those who have done a brisk trade in replica Real shirts with Beckham’s name emblazoned on them, might be picking at the stitches today and restoring the names of Raul and Figo to their backs.
Steve Curry, Daily Mail

"Becks would only be a sub in Madrid"
David Beckham to Real Madrid? After what happened beneath the steepling stands of the Bernabeu last night, think about phrasing that question in a different way. Ask not how much the kings of world football would give to have the England captain in this team of teams. Ask instead how much even a megastar like Beckham would give to take his place among these gods of the beautiful game. If you wanted to get drunk on football, you would only have had to take a sip of this intoxicating tie to feel your head lightening and your legs buckling. This was fantasy football, stuff that made you feel privileged to be among the 75,000 fans in this most elegant of arenas.
Oliver Holt, Daily Mirror

"Sir doesn´t suit you now, Alex"
There were calls last night for Sir Alex Ferguson to be stripped of his knighthood following his claim the Champions League quarter-final draw was fixed. The extraordinary claim came from the man who conducted the draw. Although Fergie admitted he was wrong to question the integrity of the draw and withdrew his allegation, the man who conducted it Friedrich Stickler, head of the Austrian FA, called for further action against the Manchester United boss. Stickler said: "This is absolute nonsense and I will be consulting my lawyers. It´s incredible. They should take away his title. This really raises doubts about his integrity and sportsmanship."
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror

"Fergie’s in a Raul fix"
Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his Manchester United team are facing their greatest challenge to keep alive their European Cup dream after being ripped apart at the Bernabeu stadium. Ferguson hailed chief destroyer Raul as the best player in the world after United got off lightly with a 3-1 defeat by Real Madrid in their quarter final, first leg.
Richard Tanner, Daily Express

"Sorry United are led a merry dance"
It was a case of Real Madrid’s flamboyant flamenco overwhelming what was a flat cap display by Manchester United, which left them tap dancing around the hope they can somehow turn this one around. Despite being outplayed, the dream of Sir Alex Ferguson to lift the trophy at Old Trafford this season still exists – albeit by a gossamer thread.
Rob Shepherd, Daily Express

Pour se ratraper, ca va etre dur mais on a encore une lueur d´espoir grace a Ruud. Moi je suis contant que scholes ne joue pas, car Soljkaer pourra jouer tout le prochain match. Dommage que Veron ne jouera pas. Allez, glory glory Man United.

diEnamaX > c´est deja THE topic de jv.com ^^

Un topic qui devient mythique....on en parle meme sur M.U. TV ^^

Ouep vs postez trop de mess, g même pas le tps de tt lire ! ^^

=>" Man U´s bookmakers challenge "

=>trouve par Greenpepper...vous en pensez quoi?

Et me*** j´ai rate mon 1700e message ; -)

Plus que 15 et on rattrape le PSG ; -)

^^

Bon 2h de cours et a ce soir ^^

bah le topic du psg sera pas difficile a ratrapper car ce topic est tout le temps avec des messages en plus

Raul a dit un truc pas mal apres le match:
"Le but de Van Nistelrooy les garde en vie, le match retour a old trafford sera tres dur. Manchester ne s´est pas encore rendu".
Et fergusson a dit:"Il y a parfois de belles soirées a old trafford, ce n´est pas pour rien qu´on l´appelle le theatre des reves".

A1ors Man utd forever!!

Gary neville sera remplacé par phil et peut etre que Veron jouera, c pas encore sur!! Alors esperons!!

Allez Manchester!
Le théâtre des rêves... merveilleux!
Dans 2 semaines, j´y croirai jusqu´au bout, même a la 95ème!!!

Ca va etre tres dur...
Le real de hier, personne pouvais les battre...SAUF un MU en etat de grace...ils ne l´etaient pas ce soir et c normal ! !!
Et bien il y a plus qu´a esperer qu´au match rtour ils se serons calmés...
qu´ils n´y est pas de bléssé d´ici la...
Maintenant mettre 2-0 au real...ca sera tres dur, je n´y croit pas trop, mais MU m´a toujours impressioné...
J´espere seulement qu´on aura oublié ce match pour se concentrer sur Newcastle qui est l´un des tournants de la saison avec le match suivant bien sur...
Croisons les doigts, a la fin de ses deux semaines, on peux avoir des chances d´etre champion d´europe, on sera peut etre pratiquement vainqueur de la premier Ligue, comme on peux se faire eliminer et etre 3eme de la premier ligue
tout se joue la...

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