Ferguson says dream still alive

Alex Ferguson claims Manchester United’s Champions League dream is still alive despite tonight’s 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final at the Bernabeu.

Raul scored either side of the interval after Luis Figo had put the home side in front with a brilliant curling effort to leave United with an uphill battle.

However, Ferguson’s men battled back and grabbed what Ferguson called a “vital” away goal through Ruud van Nistelrooy.

“I thought it was a fair result,” reflected Ferguson.

“We had our moments, and our attacking play was good in the second half.

“We got that vital away goal, which may be the best thing to come out of the night.”

Ferguson added: “They mesmerised us with their passing and have terrific players.

“We had a few chances and could have done better, but they were bad goals (to give away).”

“If we score at Old Trafford, it will set the place alight.”