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Real Madrid vs Manchester United: Red Devils Will Prove Dominance with Win

Richard Langford@@noontide34X.com LogoCorrespondent IFebruary 13, 2013

MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 12:  Sir Alex Ferguson, manager of Manchester United, looks on during a press conference ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid CF and Manchester United at the Valdebebas training ground on February 12, 2013 in Madrid, Spain.  (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)
Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

After an embarrassing early exit from last year's Champions League and then losing out on the EPL title, Manchester United is going to take another step towards proving their dominance by advancing past Real Madrid

These two soccer powers are set to meet in the final 16 of the Champions League for the first leg on Feb. 13 at 2:45 p.m. ET in Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. 

It will be important for United to get off to a strong start. The Red Devils don't have to steal a win on Madrid's turf, but they will be served to keep it close.

Away goals will obviously be vital, and the Devils' mighty attack will not leave Madrid empty handed. 

While I'm certainly not ruling out a Red Devils win, the stats are stacked against them. 

They have met four times in European Cup/Champions League play and United has yet to record an away win against Madrid. 

Currently, Madrid is rolling at home. They have won five of the last six matches, and haven't lost at home in their last 33 matches.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils have won four of their last nine on the road.

However, these statistics can't hide the fact that Manchester United is playing better. The Red Devils are running away with the EPL, while Los Blancos are running out of La Liga contention. 

With the addition of Robin van Persie, the Red Devils' offense has exploded, and this team is almost impossible to handle as a result. 

This is going to be trouble for a Real Madrid squad that has yet to keep a clean sheet in the Champions League this season. 

While Madrid has the best player in this matchup with Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United has the better team and that will lead to the Red Devils advancing past this highly anticipated match.