Sergio Ramos was left feeling ‘bittersweet’ for Real Madrid’s draw with Manchester United, but promised that the team will try to win the return leg.
Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Sir Alex Ferguson’s side at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday evening, with both teams striking the woodwork and drawing saves from the respective goalkeepers.
For Ramos, the Champions League Last 16 will still be the Spaniards’ to try and win back in Manchester.
“We would have liked to go there with another result but it was not to not be,” reflected the centre-back post-match.
“The team had a great match despite having lots of chances that we couldn’t capitalise on
“Perhaps the emotion is bittersweet, but that’s football. There are days that the chances go in and others when they don’t.
“You have to appreciate the great attitude of all our players. They have left everything on the pitch.
“We are optimistic about Old Trafford.
“We will go with the same mentality, believing that we can win. The margin of error in the Champions League is minimal.
“We realise that you have to go there to win, but we know that Manchester United are a great team and must be respected.”
Ramos was marking Danny Welbeck from the corner the English striker opened the scoring from with a header.
“I'm a realist. I got wrapped up in the game. It was not a corner in the first place.
“I want to thank the fans for their support, the team really appreciates it. We dominated and had a great attitude and the result would have been different if we were more decisive in front of goal.”
