Jose Mourinho: Real Madrid did not deserve to beat Man United

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has admitted his side did not deserve to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League after a controversial 3-2 aggregate win over 10-man Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The La Liga side looked to be heading for an embarrassing exit after Sergio Ramos’ own-goal gave the Red Devils the lead just after half-time.

But the tie was turned on its head when Nani was harshly sent off just before the hour mark for a high-footed challenge on Alvaro Arbeloa.

Former Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric equalised for Mourinho’s men with a sensational long-range effort 10 minutes later, and the fairytale ending was complete for the Spanish giants when ex-United star Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner shortly after.

And while the aftermath of the result will be dominated by Nani’s red card, the ‘Special One’ instead preferred to commend the efforts of his opponents.

"Independent of the decision, the best team lost,” the Madrid coach told ITV.

“We didn't play well, we didn't deserve to win but football is like this.

"I'm not speaking about the decision because I'm not sure about it.

"But independent of that the best team lost.

"They were very aggressive, they were very well organised tactically and the match was very difficult for us," he added on Sky Sports.

“I doubt we would have won the match if it was 11 against 11, but with a bit of luck we did it."