This Day in History: 2023-03-07

Nr. 419

REAL MADRID’S EUROPEAN CUP DOMINANCE ENDS (1966)

Real Madrid’s decision in 1953 to begin signing international stars set the foundation for the club’s success in both domestic and European competition. They won La Liga for the first time in 1954 and on many occasions after. This form was also transferred to European Cup competitions and an outstanding run between 1956 and 1960 saw the club win the European Cup five times, earning them the right to wear the UEFA Badge of Honour. Real’s 2-1 win over Partizan Belgrade won them the competition for a sixth time in 1966, a feat they were not to achieve again for another 22 years.

Real Madrid captain Francisco Gento kisses the European Cup after his team won it for the sixth time. And then began the drought.