Fernando Alonso wants Real Madrid to progress

Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso wants Real Madrid to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals at the expense of Manchester United.

The Spanish champions are at Old Trafford on Tuesday for the second leg of their last-16 tie against the Red Devils.

"I hope Real Madrid go on to the next round and easier games will be coming up," he told the club's official website.

"If we make it to the next round, they will have smoother sailing than now, and there will be more happy times.

"I hope we make it, at the last minute, in penalties, however we can."

The first leg between the two sides in Madrid last month ended in a 1-1 draw.