SNOWFLAKES in the SUN

Real Madrid v Manchester United:
European Cup semi final first leg:
11th April 1957:

On a beautiful, Spanish afternoon with dark shadows stretching across the grand surroundings of the Estadio Bernabeu, the Busby Babes faced Alfredo di Stefano and his imperious white knights of Real Madrid. For an hour of a breathless contest this team raised from a Manchester crèche who played with a devil on their red shirts had fought to stem Real's attacking fury.

But relentlessly they came!

Firstly a lightning bolt masquerading as Real winger Francisco Gento ripped past wilting United defender Bill Foulkes and placed a perfect cross for Uruguayan hitman Hector Rial to hammer an unstoppable header beyond goalkeeper Ray Woods.

Sensing more Real Madrid went for the kill and like Snowflakes in the Sun a white storm descended upon a shell-shocked United side. Totally ecstatic at their team's long awaited breakthrough, 130,000 Madrid supporters bayed for English blood. Their favourite son duly obliged.

Blessed with blistering acceleration, sublime ball skills and incredible energy, Alfredo di Stefano was the baton that stroked, cajoled and bullied this Madrid orchestra of wizards and magicians to new heights of footballing perfection.

As a matador slayed a mortally wounded bull so the Blond Arrow aimed to finish off Matt Busby's brave young side. Taking possession a mesmerising di Stefano flew at murderous pace through the heart of United's defence and executed a heavenly chip over a helpless Woods. Typical di Stefano, wonderful technique performed at breakneck speed.

None appreciated his rare talent more than Matt Busby who always maintained that di Stefano was the finest player he ever witnessed. Indeed Busby acknowledged him as 'Alfredo the Great'.

John Ludden
Cfieldsoffire@aol.com