Real Madrid and Manchester United have played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Danny Welbeck headed the visitors into a 20th-minute lead before Cristiano Ronaldo got Madrid back on terms against his former club.

The Spaniards nearly took the lead in the opening five minutes, but David de Gea pushed Fabio Coentrao's effort onto the post.

The home side continued to dominate during the early stages as United looked to break on the counter-attack.

However, the visitors scored a vital away goal in the 20th minute when Welbeck worked himself some space in the area to head in Wayne Rooney's corner.

Madrid continued to press forward and they were rewarded for their persistence with half an hour played as Ronaldo leapt above Patrice Evra to head in powerfully.

With the two teams level at the break, the hosts started the second half strongly as De Gea saved Mesut Ozil's effort before Angel di Maria flashed his shot narrowly wide of the post.

De Gea came to United's rescue again with three quarters of the match played when he kept out Coentrao's drive on the angle with an unconventional save.

With the game becoming increasingly stretched Robin van Persie had two opportunities in quick succession to put United back in front.

His first was tipped onto the crossbar by goalkeeper Diego Lopez before a second was scrambled off the line by Xabi Alonso.

There was a chance late on for Di Maria, who saw his shot from the edge of the box held by De Gea.