United's progress was not in doubt thanks to goals from Nicky Butt, Teddy Sheringham and Roy Keane, and Ferguson played down fears of a daunting rematch with holders Real, who eliminated his side at the same stage last season.
'We experienced it last year against Madrid and I think we could do better this time around,' he said.
Whether Old Trafford will be full to its 67,500 capacity for the home tie is in the hands of Trafford Council after protests by a number of fans.
The council has threatened to withhold a safety certificate for parts of the ground in which fans persistently remained on their feet.
United have postponed their home Premiership match against Charlton on April 7 to accommodate the FA Cup semi-final at Old Trafford between Arsenal and Tottenham the following day. A new date has yet to be arranged.
