Update: Manchester United 1-2 Real Madrid, final. Madrid progress to Champions League quarterfinals.
We're 30 minutes in at Old Trafford and after a fairly calm opening 15 minutes, Manchester United have cranked up the pressure thanks in large part to the work of Danny Welbeck.
Danny Welbeck's pace began causing problems for Real Madrid as the match moved past the quarter hour mark. A run down the left side led to a corner after Welbeck passed off to Nani whose cross was headed out near the far post by Fábio Coentrão.
Welbeck was back a minute later causing chaos before finding Ryan Giggs in the Madrid penalty area. Giggs' cross to Robin Van Persie was perfect and forced a solid defensive play by Sergio Ramos. On United's next attack, Welback and Nani played a nice one-two on the left wing before earning another corner. Despite all the chances, United never threatened Diego Lopez in goal.
In the 20th minute Nemanja Vidic's header on a corner kick slammed off the near post and fell right to Welbeck. His shot was stopped by Lopez but the linesman had rightly raised his flag as United had two players, including Welbeck, in an offside position.
Welbeck continued to bomb down the left side testing the Madrid defense, waiting for them to make a mistake. Sergio Ramos was up to the task though doing an excellent job of cutting off Welbeck's runs and making all the right decisions with his tackles and clearances.
Cristiano Ronaldo nearly broke through against the stout United defense in the 28th minute, getting behind the back line. Fortunately for United, his attempt was smothered and blocked.
Follow @SBNationSoccer on Twitter | Like SB Nation Soccer on Facebook