Sir Alex Ferguson: 'Tie within our grasp'

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that his side has control of their Champions League last-16 clash with Real Madrid heading into the second leg.

The two sides shared a 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night after Cristiano Ronaldo cancelled out Danny Welbeck's away goal.

The Scottish boss admits that he is pleased with the condition of the tie.

"There were a lot of incidents, chances at both ends," said Ferguson. "De Gea made three or four good saves. We've missed some great chances ourselves, their keeper has made two great saves.

"The disappointing part was in the first half we sat off them too much, they got some play on the edge of our box and that's not healthy. We changed it round at half time and that made a difference in terms of the ebb of the game.

"All in all we created a lot of chances in the match and played some good attacking football at times. I've got to be pleased, they've dug in to take us back to Old Trafford with a chance. We've got a big task but its within our grasp."

The second leg takes place at Old Trafford on March 5.