The world will stop to watch

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho admits Tuesday’s Champions League clash between Manchester United and Madrid feels more like a final than a last 16 meeting and believes the “the world will stop to watch this game.”

The tie is finally balanced at 1-1 following the first leg at the Bernabeu almost three weeks ago. Both sides are in fine fettle with Mourinho admitting “anything could happen” on the night. He says he is pleased with his side’s current form – Madrid come into the game on the back of two impressive wins over rivals Barcelona, but the Portuguese manager maintains his side will still need to perform to overcome United.

“United are on a fantastic run, better than ever this season," he told reporters at his pre-match press conference. "They are in the FA Cup quarter-finals and have won the league already in March! We are also in good form in 2013 but the one million dollar question is what will make the difference tomorrow? Nobody knows.

“We come here after two wins [against Barcelona] but our feeling coming here would be the same if we'd have had two defeats. Of course, it is better to come here in a period when the players are happy and we have beaten our rivals twice, but I don't really think the Barcelona results will have an impact on Tuesday.

“I think United will be very defensive when we have the ball and it will be the same from us when they have the ball. They are a strong attacking side and we’lll have to defend stoutly and concentrate when they have possession. We're effectively behind in the tie so we will attack

 

“I have won, lost and drawn against Sir Alex,” added Mourinho when asked about his record against the Scot. “I have experienced everything against United. I've come here a lot of times with Chelsea, Porto, Inter... I’ve won some, I’ve drawn some and I’ve lost