• Football

  • Primera Division

Real Madrid News

News

  • News
  • Teams
  • Video
  • Fixtures
  • Results
  • Tables
  • Stats
  • Squad
More from Football
  • Football Home
  • Primera Division

Xabi Alonso insists Cristiano Ronaldo will not be distracted against Manchester United

Xabi Alonso insists Cristiano Ronaldo will not let emotion get the better of him on his Old Trafford return.

By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo

Last Updated: 05/03/13 6:58pm

Xabi Alonso: In action in the first leg against Manchester United
Xabi Alonso: In action in the first leg against Manchester United

Ronaldo makes his first return on Tuesday since his departure in 2009 for the second leg of Real's last-16 tie against old club Manchester United.

The Portuguese star is expected to be afforded a warm welcome from the United faithful, with Patrice Evra revealing last week that Ronaldo had told him it would be difficult for him to return to his old stomping ground.

However, Alonso believes Ronaldo will cope with the atmosphere and focus on doing his best for Real.

"I don't think so," said Alonso when asked if emotion might get the better of Ronaldo on Tuesday night. "He's really looking forward to the game.

"Before the game I think he'll get a great reception but once kick-off starts, he'll just be thinking about doing the best for our team. Hopefully it will be a great night for him.

"It's very different to play with Cristiano than against him. I've played against him and with him, and I'm lucky enough to say he's on my side and I'm pleased to have him on my side.

"He's in terrific form and he's looking forward to it. In his mind is just to play a good game and to get through this stage."

Alonso claims the game is not just about Ronaldo and that there are other players on both sides who could decide the outcome of the tie.

"We'll have more chances to win if Cristiano plays to his best, but if we don't defend well then United will have chances to win," added Alonso.

"It's not just about Cristiano, other players can have a really important impact on the game."

Alonso is not worried about the reception he might face due to his Liverpool connections and insists all the focus will be on what is an eagerly anticipated encounter between two European titans.

"I spent five years playing in England with Liverpool and there was a special rivalry," continued Alonso.

"But you don't really need to add anything to this match. Everyone will be glued to the television watching it, wherever they are."

Also See:

  • Fergie: No bigger game
  • Jones out
  • Ferguson video
  • Giggs predicts thriller

Trending

  • 1
    Gazidis favours Arteta
  • 2
    MNF: Wenger's champions compared
  • 3
    Henry on why Arsenal didn't dominate
  • 4
    'Real to improve Ronaldo contract'
  • 5
    Bellew breaks new records for Haye
  • 6
    Totti: Liverpool 'a model to follow'
  • 7
    Liverpool could save on Keita fee
  • 8
    FA sorry over Kane/Smalling tweet
  • 9
    Brook: Khan is running scared
  • 10
    The genius of De Bruyne
  • Video
  • Latest News
  • Home
  • Sports
    • Football
    • F1
    • Cricket
    • Rugby Union
    • Rugby League
    • Golf
    • Boxing
    • Tennis
    • Cycling
    • Racing
    • Darts
    • NFL
    • Motorsport
    • Netball
    • GAA
    • WWE
    • eSports
    • More Sports
    • Winter Olympics
    • Commonwealth Games
    • Joshua vs Parker
  • Score Centre
  • Video
  • TV
  • Sky Bet
  • Games
  • More
    • Transfer Centre
    • Live on Sky
    • Get Sky Sports
    • TV Shows
    • TV Guide
    • Competitions
    • Sky Go
    • Now TV
    • Pub Finder
    • Team Sky
    • Sportswomen
    • Sports Scholarships
    • Clubs in Communities
    • Podcasts
    • Mobile
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Living for Sport
    • Contact Us
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Sky.com
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Sky Sports
    • Get Sky Sports
    • Sky Sports Apps
    • Sportinglife.com
    • TEAMtalk.com
    • Football365.com
    • Team Sky
  • Partners
    • Sky Bet
    • Fantasy Football
    • Super 6
    • Sky Sports Pub Finder
    • Living for Sport
    • Planet Rugby
    • Golf365
    • Planet F1
    • Cricket365
  • Sky Sports Channels
    • Sky Sports Main Event
    • Sky Sports Premier League
    • Sky Sports Football
    • Sky Sports Cricket
    • Sky Sports Golf
    • Sky Sports F1
    • Sky Sports Action
    • Sky Sports Arena
    • Sky Sports News
    • Sky Sports Mix
  • More Sky Sites
    • Sky.com
    • Sky News
    • Sky Corporate
    • Sky For Businesses
    • Now TV
    • Sky Communal TV
    • Sky Academy
    • Bigger Picture
    • Store Locator
    • Work for Sky
    • Advertise With Us
    • Sky TV Accessories
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy & Cookies Notice
  • Accessibility Information
  • Contact Us

©2018 Sky UK