Jonathan Wilson: Controversial red card changed complexion of Madrid-United tilt

[Jonathan Wilson]

There was no doubt about the moment that changed the game. Manchester United had been leading 1-0 on Tuesday night, 2-1 on aggregate, and was winning the tactical battle when, 11 minutes into the second half, Nani leapt to try to take down a dropping clearance from Rafael. His raised foot caught Alvaro Arbeloa in the stomach, and Turkish referee Cunet Cakr decided, to widespread surprise, that he was guilty of serious foul play and showed a red card.

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