LONDON: The controversial dismissal of Nani (pic) saw Manchester United lose 2-1 at Old Trafford to Real Madrid this morning to crash out of the Champions League at the first knockout stage, reported Eurosport.

United were leading through a Sergio Ramos own-goal in the 48th minute when Nani was harshly sent off for a raised boot nine minutes later as he challenged Alvaro Arbeloa for a loose ball.

The hosts, who had drawn 1-1 in Madrid, were shaken by the incident, Real scoring twice in succession soon afterwards through Luka Modric and former Devil Cristiano Ronaldo in the 66th and 69th minute respectively.

United rallied in the later stages, as Real goalkeeper Diego Lopez made some excellent stops from Nemanja Vidic, Robin van Persie, Michael Carrick and substitute Wayne Rooney, but the 10 men were chasing the game and ultimately crashed out of Europe.

- mD