This Day in History: 2023-08-03

Nr. 491

GENTO ENDS ON A LOSING NOTE (1971)

Even the most fanatical Chelsea fan was able to spare a thought for the lonely figure of Francisco Gento disappearing down the tunnel as he left the football stage for the last time. After two decades as a legendary figure in international football he walked into retirement a defeated man. The fast, skilful Real Madrid winger with six 1950s and 196os European Cup medals to his name left Athens’ Stadium Karaiskaki empty-handed after British club Chelsea beat Real Madrid in the European Cup Winners’ Cup final. In a two-legged final, the teams first drew 1-1 before Chelsea claimed their first European trophy with a 2-1 win in the second leg.