Mourinho: The best team lost

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho was quick to play down his side's Champions League victory at Manchester United, claiming the "the best team lost".

On an incident-packed night at Old Trafford, Real Madrid clinched their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, which they are now 3.25 to win, 3-2 on aggregate after coming from behind to win the second leg 2-1.

After a goalless first half, Sergio Ramos deflected Nani's cross into his own net to give United the lead, but the match was then turned on its head by the referee who sent Nani off for a high boot that caught Alvaro Arbeloa.

Real took complete advantage, scoring twice in two minutes through Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo and, although United had several chances to get back into the tie, Mourinho's side never really looked like letting go of their advantage.

The result leaves Manchester United with the Premier League and FA Cup to play for. They are 1.015 to win the Premier League and 3.25 to clinch the FA Cup.

Immediately after the final whistle, former Chelsea, Porto and Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho said: "Independent of the decision (to send Nani off), the best team lost. We didn't deserve to win but football is like this."

Later he added: "My feeling is that Manchester United were playing very well, were very compact and aggressive in a good way. I doubt that 11 v 11 we win the match.

"I know Manchester United are giants, not just physically but mentally. I know they have a manager who can motivate them, but I was waiting for us to play in a different way."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson did not face the media after the game, but assistant boss Mike Phelan said: "It's a distraught dressing room and a distraught manager. That's why I am sitting here now.

"I don't think the manager is in any fit state to talk to the referee about the decision. It speaks volumes that I am sitting here now rather than the manager of this fantastic football club.

"Referees are there to make decisions but there is also an element of doing the right thing. All the media and a television audience watching all over the world will have an opinion on the decision but it was a disappointing one and it spoiled the game."