Ronaldo-inspired Madrid ready for United

Madrid, Feb 10 (AFP) Real Madrid assistant manager Aitor Karanka believes his side are hitting form at the right time as they swept aside Sevilla 4-1 thanks to a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick. The Spanish champions take on Manchester United on Wednesday in the first-leg of their Champions League last-16 tie and Karanka is hoping Ronaldo can carry his recent form into the clash against his former club. "Cristiano has had the love of the crowd here for some time. The important thing though is for the team to have a player like Cristiano in this form heading into the period we now have," he said yesterday. Coach Jose Mourinho had taken the chance to rest a few important players with Wednesday's game in mind, but it mattered little as Karim Benzema put the hosts in front from barely a yard on 17 minutes before Ronaldo fired a fierce drive past Beto in the Sevilla goal eight minutes later. The Portuguese captain rounded off his 20th hat-trick in a Madrid jersey with two goals in 14 minutes after half-time before a red card for Gonzalo Higuain and Manu del Moral's late consolation soured an otherwise comfortable night for Mourinho's men. Thoughts now turn to their attempt at a 10th European crown and Karanka is hopeful that playing 18 hours ahead of United this weekend could make a difference. "You notice a day extra rest and it has been good with the changes we made to also give a rest to some important players. We will see what players they play tomorrow," said Karanka, a reference to United's league clash with Everton on Sunday. MORE (AFP) PM PM 02100913 NNNN