Real Madrid vs Manchester United Betting 13/02/13

• February 12, 2013
• Max Hodge

The most anticipated tie of the last 16 of the Champions League begins this week as Manchester United travel away to the Bernabeu. There are so many reasons as to why this is one of the most eagerly awaited match ups in recent years as Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho battle it out once more. The two sides have had contrasting fortunes so far this season in the league, with Madrid struggling in third and Manchester United cruising at the top of the Premier League. However all past form and records will be pushed aside for this game in which should be an extremely exciting two legs of football. Choose a free bet for this match.

Real Madrid

A difficult season for 'the special one' has left his side way off the pace in La Liga as he has already admittedly resigned to the fact that retaining the league is out of their reach this season. This could well turn out to be a blessing in disguise for Real Madrid as they can now totally focus on winning the Champions League. However Manchester United will prove a very difficult side to beat as they are a team high on confidence. Madrid obviously go into this game as big favourites at 8/13 on William Hill to win this first leg . It is certainly very hard to see them losing this match at the Bernabeu and for that reason the double chance is at 1/8. As usual the spotlight is on Cristiano Ronaldo for this match as he goes up against his old side for the first time since his move to Madrid. Despite him openly saying how close United is to his heart and how much he admires Ferguson, he would love nothing more than to get his name on the score sheet. Ronaldo is at 3/1 to score first in this match and 8/11 to score anytime on Skybet . He has been on fire in all competitions so far this season and you would certainly fancy him to score again in this game. For Madrid to qualify to the next round is at 4/7 on William Hill.

Manchester United

Manchester United face an extremely difficult challenge as they travel to Madrid. Not many teams manage to come here and grab a victory but for United if they manage to stay within touch of their opponents and grab an away goal you feel they will be happy. They are priced at 4/1 on William Hill to win this match and 11/8 for the win or draw double chance. If they can carry their great form in the league over into this game then it could be extremely close, especially if they ruffle a few Madrid feathers early on. One man who is more than capable of delivering the goods on the big stage is Robin Van Persie. He was on the score sheet once again at the weekend as he keeps up his dream first season for the red devils. Skybet has priced him at 13/2 to score the first goal in this game and and 2/1 to score anytime. Whilst it is a huge ask for United to come away with a win in this game they will be confident that over two legs they may just be able to do the business. William Hill has them at 6/5 to qualify.

Summary

There is no doubt that this game is going to be extremely exciting and will be the tie of the round. There are so many match winners on either side and with the prospect of Jose and Sir Alex battling it out once more makes this a mouth-watering match. It is a very difficult game to call but perhaps Madrid may just be too strong for United at home and will edge this game. Bet365 has Madrid to win 2-1 at 7/1 for this match , which is a result that Manchester United will be also happy with having grabbed that all important away goal. This game certainly suggests there will be goals and for over 2.5 goals on Bet365 is at 8/13 and for both teams to score is 8/13. Whatever the outcome it is sure to be an intriguing first leg with chances for both sides. However with home advantage and Mourinho at the helm you would fancy Madrid to narrowly win this game.

Enjoy a £10 free bet with Stan James - simply open an account and bet £10 and Stan James will give you a free £10 bet! Click here to get this offer .

• Max Hodge Max is currently studying Journalism at University and has a passion for writing about football and tennis, providing expert betting tips for both sports. @nomad_max Follow me