PLAYERS ONTO FIELD, KICK-OFF, PLAY IN PROGRESS, MANCHESTER ATTACK SPANISH GOAL FOUR TIMES BUT FOILED, BEST SCORES FOR MANCHESTER, SECOND HALF KICK-OFF. MANCHESTER ATTACK, END OF MATCH.

FRW/V-TELE/PN-RM/EEH
Background: Manchester United tonight (Wednesday) defeated Real Madrid six times winners of the European Cup, in their first leg semi-final match in the European Cup series. The Spaniards remained cool under strong pressure throughout the match but were almost constantly committed to defence and Manchester United ran out winners 1-0.

The English champions attacked throughout a one-sided game, watched by 63,500 frenzied fans in the United's Old Trefford Stadium.

United opened at a tremendous pace and Real's goal was threatened twice in the opening three minutes. A left-foot centre from Best was headed firmly by Aston but the Spanish goal-keeper, Botancort, diverted the ball for a corner. Then Crerand hit a post with a 20 yard (T8.2 Metres) drive which left Retancort helpless.

The first score came after 36 minutes when Best, who was unmarked in the centre, hit the ball powerfully into the net from 15 yards. (13.7 Metres). Inside forward Kidd started the scoring manoeuvre when he fed the ball to Aston on the left wing. Aston centred well, under pressure, and Best sent it home. The disimitive Irishman had waged a one-man offensive in the goal area and the fans went wild at his success.

Real were under pressure again immediately after the half-time break. Real were beginning to show signs of tiring but still managed to keep the United attacks out of the net.

Law missed two good scoring chances for Manchester United, once shooting straight at the goalkeeper and later slipping as he was about to head a cross from Charlton.

Real were almost totally committed to defence in the latter stages with only one serious action in the United goalmouth, in the 74th minute of play.

The game ended with a 1-0 win for the English champions but Real Madrid are expected to make up for their defeat in the return leg in Madrid on May 15. Their sharp-shooter, Amancio, under suspension at the moment, will be back in action for that match and should make a big difference for the Spaniards.