Real Madrid, Man United all square

Portuguese Ronaldo levels with superb header against former team

soccer — champions league

Cristiano Ronaldo scored with a spectacular header yesterday as Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 home draw by Manchester United in the last 16 round of the Champions League. Danny Welbeck gave the visitors the lead.

MADRID — Cristiano Ronaldo showed he was equal to the biggest of occasions with a superb header for Real Madrid against former club Manchester United as their Champions League last-16 first-leg showdown ended 1-1 yesterday.

Watched by millions around the world, the hotly-anticipated clash at the Bernabeu was Portuguese Ronaldo’s first game against the club where he made his name before joining Real for a world-record fee in 2009.

It also renewed the rivalry between Real coach José Mourinho and his United counterpart Alex Ferguson as the La Liga champions seek the 10th European title that has eluded them since 2002 and the Premier League leaders chase a fourth triumph in Europe’s elite club competition.

United withstood an early Real onslaught and drew first blood against the run of play in the 20th minute when Danny Welbeck nodded past Diego López from a Wayne Rooney corner.

Ronaldo levelled 10 minutes later when he towered above Patrice Evra to send an Ángel Di María centre arrowing into the corner.

The result gave United a slight advantage for the return leg in Manchester on March 5, although both sides will regret squandering chances in the second half that could have eased their passage to the last eight.

Mourinho said he was confident his side could score more than one goal at Old Trafford next month.

“It’s true they had two big chances in the second half but it was out of context because we were chasing the game and they were defending and waiting,” the former Chelsea and Inter Milan coach told a news conference. “Basically, what I thought, everything’s open, very open for the second leg. I think this will go to the last minute.”

Also, Borussia Dortmund twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at Shakhtar Donetsk in the last 16 of the Champions League following Mats Hummels’ late equalizer.

Hummels’ powerful header from Marcel Schmelzer’s corner in the 87th minute ensures the defending Bundesliga champions will have the advantage of two away goals in the second leg at home on March 5.

Shakhtar captain Darijo Srna struck first with a free kick in the 31st, the ball sailing over the wall and rendering goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller a bystander as it flew into the net.

Ten minutes later, Dortmund finally converted one of their many chances when Robert Lewandowski found the near corner from just outside the box after having missed his first attempt on goal.

Shakhtar regained the lead when substitute Douglas Costa brought down a long-range pass while between two defenders and 35 metres out from goal to find the net with a shot on the turn in the 69th.

AP, Reuters

Results

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE — Last 16 round first leg: Real Madrid (Spain) 1 Manchester United (England) 1; Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine) 2 Borussia Dortmund (Germany) 2.

ARGENTINE LEAGUE — Initial Tournament 19th round: Quilmes 0 Tigre 0.

COPA ARGENTINA — Last 48 round: Atlético Rafaela 2 Alvarado 1; All Boys v Brown (Adrogué) (late).

SCOTTISH LEAGUE — Premier League: Inverness 1 Kilmarnock 1.

LIBERTADORES CUP — Group stage: Emelec (Ecuador) 1 Vélez Sarsfield (Argentina) 0; Universidad de Chile (Chile) 2 Deportivo Lara (Venezuela) 0; Deportes Iquique (Chile) 1 Peñarol (Uruguay) 2; Boca Juniors (Argentina) 1 Toluca (Mexico) 2; Atlético Mineiro (Brazil) 2 São Paulo (Brazil) 1; Caracas (Venezuela) 0 v Fluminense (Brazil) 1; Real Garcilaso (Peru) v Independiente Santa Fe (Colombia) (late).