As soon as the draw was made, this was the game that everybody to see. There was an immediate 'wow' factor because this is going to be huge.
Levels
The skill levels are high on both sides, but I think Real Madrid are fractionally ahead there. However, the durability and experience of Manchester United will count for a lot and as a result this should be an intriguing game.
Will it be a good game for the neutral? Manchester United will have a big say on that because if they take me by surprise and take the game to Real Madrid then we could be in for a cracker. But my experience of watching them over the years suggests this is a time when they will try to contain Real Madrid, play on the break and not overexpose themselves. I anticipate a professional display and a defensive air to their approach.
Remember, Real Madrid have (surprisingly) had some stuttering performances this season and the pressure is on them to switch it on and hit the ground running. They need to take the game to Manchester United and we're not quite sure what we're going to get from them.
Having said that, I think we can expect a really good Mourinho team to turn up. Given what's at stake, he will demand a swashbuckling, high-tempo display and I'm sure that's what they'll do.
A game like this, between two great teams, should be full of high drama and I hope Manchester United can come out of it with the scores level. That would be a fine result for them.
I really believe that they can do that and take the tie back to Old Trafford with everything to play for.
