Manchester United vs Real Madrid: A Thrilling UEFA Champions League Quarter-final
Reliving the 2002-03 Champions League Classic
A Seven-Goal Thriller at Old Trafford
On April 23, 2003, Manchester United and Real Madrid faced off in a pulsating UEFA Champions League quarter-final at Old Trafford. The match, which ended in a thrilling 4-3 victory for United, was filled with goals, drama, and controversy.
The match saw Manchester United take an early lead through Ruud van Nistelrooy, but Real Madrid responded quickly with goals from Ivan Helguera and David Beckham. United rallied back in the second half, with goals from Roy Keane and Paul Scholes giving them a 4-2 advantage. However, Real Madrid pulled one back through Ronaldo to set up a tense finish.
The match was also marred by controversy, with Real Madrid manager Vicente del Bosque sent to the stands for protesting a disallowed goal. Despite the setback, Real Madrid continued to press for an equalizer, but in the end, United held on for a famous victory.
Key Statistics and Match Facts
*- Goals: Manchester United 4 (Nistelrooy, Keane, Scholes, Solskjær), Real Madrid 3 (Helguera, Beckham, Ronaldo)
- Attendance: 66,000
- Referee: Pierluigi Collina
- Date: April 23, 2003
The Legacy of the Match
The match between Manchester United and Real Madrid is considered one of the most memorable Champions League quarter-finals of all time. The seven goals, the drama, and the controversy made for a truly unforgettable night of football.
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