ALEX Ferguson has infuriated Real Madrid by saying the Spanish side's European Cup success in 2000 was lucky.

It certainly was. How fortunate can you get to be drawn against two Italian sides at their lowest ebbs for years in the quarter and semi finals and then be totally outplayed for 89 minutes in the final. Sorry, that was United the previous year.

Ferguson does have a point, though. Madrid were lucky to have been drawn against a United team they were far too good for.

Not even the most one-eyed United fan would suggest Real were not the best team in 2000. They'll also be hoping that this latest example of Ferguson famous mind games tactic will work on Real.