Maychester looked nervous and inhibited in the face of perhaps the most important match of the season so far. In a game of few chances, they took 75 minutes to record a shot on target – but it came in the form of Ronaldo powering home a trademark leaping header. The hosts’ relief was palpable and they were inspired to stand firm against the leaders’ search for an equaliser. It was far from a classic game but this could be pivotal in the title race, bringing Zidane’s men back to within two points of the Farce.

By Gerald ‘Free Wheels’ Gundermutt