The best team lost says Real boss Mourinho

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has claimed “the best team lost” after his side knocked 10-man Manchester United out of the Champions League.

United went ahead after Sergio Ramos turned Nani’s low cross into his own net, and following the controversial sending off of Nani, Madrid went on to score twice in three minutes to reach the Champions League’s quarter-final.

Even with 10 men United had their moments and Mourinho was in uncharacteristically humble mood as he admitted that the home side deserved more from the game.

“Independent of the decision, the best team lost,” said the 50-year-old Portuguese coach.

“We didn’t deserve to win but football is like this. I’m not speaking about the decision as I’m not sure about it.”

Sir Alex Ferguson had sprung a surprise before kick-off by omitting Wayne Rooney from his starting line-up.

But Mourinho feels the veteran manager has earned the right not to be questioned by anyone – even him.

“Sir Alex has won the right for every decision to be correct and never have a question mark against them,” he added.

“He is the best. He is the top. You are nobody to put a question like that. I am nobody. He did a great job.”

United assistant boss Mike Phelan was left to face the press for the home side and revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson was ‘too distraught’ to comment.

Asked about Rooney’s omission from the starting line-up, Phelan explained: “The decision was tactical.

“In that dressing room, everyone was fit. But big decisions have to be made. Tonight we had the balance just right.”

Rooney eventually came on as a substitute but Real Madrid were already leading 2-1 by that point after goals from Luka Modric and United old boy Cristiano Ronaldo.

And Mourinho told Sky Sports: “Manchester United were playing very well. They were very compact, they were very aggressive, very well organised technically and the match was very difficult for us.

“I doubt with 11 against 11 we could win the match.