Real Madrid and Manchester United played to a tense 1-1 draw in the first leg match of their Champions League last 16 knockout tie at the Bernabeu Thursday.
Cristiano Ronaldo was on target in Madrid, but a fantastic display from goalkeeper David De Gea and a goal from the impressive Danny Welbeck helped United secure the draw.
The result gives the Premier League leaders a good chance of progressing after the second leg at Old Trafford on Mar 5.
Welbeck put United in front after 20 minutes with a neat header from a corner, only for Ronaldo to level with an even better attempt 10 minutes later as he hung in the air masterfully to head past De Gea.
United had to endure constant pressure from a Madrid side unbeaten at home in 33 games in all competitions but almost claimed a vital second after 72 minutes when Robin van Persie struck the bar and then seconds later wasted a fantastic opening in front of goal.
Matts Hummels headed a late equaliser as Borussia Dortmund twice fought back to draw 2-2 with hosts Shakhtar Donetsk in a thriller.
Darijo Srna put the home side ahead with a trademark free-kick only for Robert Lewandowski to equalise with a low finish 10 minutes later.
Shakhtar thought they had done enough for a slender first-leg lead when substitute Douglas Costa capitalised on a Hummels error to fire home in style, but the Germany defender compensated for his mistake with an 87th-minute bullet header.
The result means it is very much advantage to Juergen Klopp’s side after getting two away goals at one of Europe’s tougher grounds - their own Westfalenstadion is equally intimidating and, with both sides known for their attacking play, the second leg in three weeks promises to be another cracker.