Real Madrid gave Manchester United a footballing lesson at Bernabeu Stadium tonight where Raul was on the mark twice to leave United with slim hopes of reaching 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 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.
"I thought it was a fair result," said Ferguson afterwards. "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."
Ferguson added: "They mesmerised us with their passing and have terrific players. We had a few chances and could have done better, but they were bad goals (to give away). If we score at Old Trafford, it will set the place alight."
Elsewhere, in the other semi Ajax were held to a goal less draw by AC Milan in Amsterdam.
Filed by Johnny Proby
