Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to avoid Real Madrid in the next phase of the Champions League.
Ferguson is anxious to avoid old boy Cristiano Ronaldo and a Real Madrid side he believes are now on a par with champions Barcelona.
He said: "Madrid have improved this season and I see them as being as big a threat as Barcelona.
"They look every bit as good as Barcelona.
"They have so much energy and Ronaldo is Ronaldo. He's got more than 100 goals for them already - phenomenal."