Champions League: Macca in plane terror

England midfielder Steve McManaman was involved in a terrifying mid-air scare when the plane carrying the Real Madrid squad from Moscow had to turn back after it caught fire.

Real had been in the Russian capital for the Champions League clash with Locomotiv, which they lost 2-0, before setting off on their way back to Spain last night.

However, once airborne on the Futura airline, squad members Ruben and Sousa noticed that one of the engines had caught fire and immediately raised the alarm.

Although Real had left several high-profile players at home - including Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo - the team was still packed with a host of internationals such as former Liverpool winger McManaman, Pedro Munitis and Fernando Morientes.

The plane landed safely, but defender Ivan Helguera still described the scare as ‘‘the worst moment of my life’’.

Sports and communication general director Jorge Valdano said: ‘‘You realise that everything could finish in a minute.

‘‘It just gives you time to say goodbye to yourself.’’