Real Madrid are being portrayed as a club in crisis – but they will still reach the Champions League quarter-finals at the expense of Manchester United.

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The bookmakers have been deluged with bets for Real to be knocked out of Europe in the first knockout round after being drawn against the team with whom they perennially compete for the status of the world’s biggest football club.

But after the second leg at Old Trafford on March 5 it will be the Spanish fans celebrating as, despite the certain loss of La Liga title to Barcelona, their chances of collecting one of the two trophies they dream about each season will still be intact.

Here are five reasons why Real will prevail in this tie:

1) Hunger

Real Madrid have no chance of retaining the Spanish league crown and so maximum effort will be put into the Champions League assault. The strongest possible team will be fielded against United in both legs and the tensions in the camp will be put to one side for the collective good of ensuring the European challenge stays alive.

2) Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portuguese superstar comes face to face with his former team-mates and manager and will be determined to put on a spectacle to show he was worth the £80million spent on him four years ago. Ronaldo is certain to be inspired by the occasion and the United defenders, especially Rafael Da Silva, must be dreading facing him.

3) Jose Mourinho

Even though he looks sure to be leaving the Bernabeu at the end of the season after falling out with key players, Mourinho is the master coach in the Champions League. He has known how to get the better of Manchester United ever since his Porto side stunned the Red Devils on the way to lifting the trophy in their shock 2004 success.

4) Midfield

Ties like this are often won and lost in the centre of the pitch and there is no question Real are stronger in this area. Mourinho can choose from Xabi Alonso, Mesut Ozil, Sami Khedira, Luka Modric and Michael Essien in the centre whereas United are likely to go with Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley – a potential mismatch.

5) History

On the two previous occasions these clubs have faced each other in the Champions League, Real have come out on top thanks to scoring three goals at Old Trafford in the second leg. Although it’s a decade since they last met, they will both set up in a similar way and it’s difficult to see United shutting out their opponents on March 5.

Written by Jon Wilde from Bettingpro.com.

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