Legends: Luis Molowny

LUIS MOLOWNY

Luis Molowny

Luis Molowny Arbelo was born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, May 12, 1925 into a family with Irish ancestry. From young, he begins to play football in his hometown.

Player

At fifteen, he wants to test with Club Deportivo Tenerife, which had convened a screening test. Despite his request, was not invited to test. He attended the appointed day and stood behind the goal to return the balls that left the field for the bad aim of the players. His clever way to return the ball, made the technical drafted him.

Molowny is then signed by the Club Santa Cruz, in first regional division, where he could not play matches, because the minimum age to do that was 18 years. Only played friendly matches. Subsequently signed for Marino, where they won the Canary Islands Championship. At this point begins to awaken the interest of the big teams.

After the battle between Real Madrid and Barcelona, Luis Molowny end wearing the white jersey for 1946-47 season. His personal and sport adaptation was perfect. His debut comes at Metropolitan Stadium -Chamartin was under construction- against FC Barcelona. When it seemed that the tables would be the end result, Molowny pulled a magnificent and precise header which gave the win to Real Madrid.

He was a player of great precision in passing, clever and cool. Noted for its easy tricks, the temple in his ball controls and withering attacks, always topped with unstoppable shots.

Real Madrid played for eleven seasons, with players like Alfredo Di Stefano, Francisco Gento, Raymond Kopa and Ferenc Puskas. He won several titles and left the football with the appreciation of the Real Madrid fans. He played a year in Las Palmas, where he finally retired from active football.

Coach

After retiring as player, began a successful coaching career. From 1967 to 1970 he trained at UD Las Palmas, where he became runner-up league.

Luis Molowny Coach

And in 1974 he began his relationship with the club. Joins Real Madrid to replace Miguel Muñoz. Train the team for 5 months and get a Spanish Cup. He returned in September 1977 after Miljanic leaving the team, getting a Spanish League. Leads the team until June 1979. In 1982, he was named to lead the team for two months until the end of the season. In April 1985, following the resignation of Amancio Amaro, Molowny returned to take over the team. His management ended in April 1986, This would be his last involvement as coach of Real Madrid, winning a league title and UEFA Cup that season.

From there, he served as sports director of Real Madrid. His final retirement came in 1990 when he decided to reside in his native island. He died in February 2010

History: 2001-2010

It is the decade of the "Ninth", Figo, Beckham, Zidane and Ronaldo. From the hand of Florentino Perez, the world's top players gathered to form one of the most spectacular teams in history, who won the European Cup and Intercontinental Cup in the centenary year. He was also the decade of major changes in infrastructure, with the conclusion of the Bernabéu Stadium and the construction of the Sports City.

Twenty-eighth league title

On May 26, 2001 Real Madrid wins its twenty-eighth league title after beating Alaves in a packed Bernabeu (5-0). After the meeting, about 500,000 fans took to the streets of Madrid with Cibeles as main focus of meeting, to celebrate a title that the team had not won for four seasons. The summer of that year Zinedine Zidane is dressed in white.

The centenary

To celebrate the centenary of the Club, numerous events and celebrations were organized , but undoubtedly the most important was the organization of the Spanish Cup Final in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. On March 6, 2002, Real Madrid's 100th birthday. The Real Madrid live a day of intense emotions, even though the team can not win the Spanish Cup, whose final is held that day at the white home. Deportivo La Coruña win (1-2).

Real Madrid's Centenary Stamp

Ninth European Cup

The centenary year, Real Madrid won Europe's top competition for the ninth time in its history, the second at Hampden Park in Glasgow, a legendary stadium for the club, beating the German Bayer Leverkusen 1-2, with Raul and Zidane goals. This final will be remembered for its symbolism, as it put the best possible culmination of the Centenary season, but also by the extraordinary beauty of the goal scored by Zinedine Zidane. Two memories for framing in a historic year for Madrid.

9th European Cup

European Super Cup

In August, the Real Madrid won in Monaco the only major title missing in the show windows of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the European Super Cup.The Whites won 3-1 in the final of Monaco to the Dutch club Feyenoord, thanks to the great match of Roberto Carlos who scored a goal and an assist in the first of the match. Finally, the European Super Cup traveled to Madrid.

Intercontinental Cup

The year closed with Real Madrid winning in Yokohama (Japan) his third Intercontinental Cup. This time, the opponent is the Olimpia Asuncion (Paraguay), champion of the Copa Libertadores 2002, which was defeated 2-0. Real Madrid completed the trio of international titles to close a big 2002. The 100 th birthday year.

Valdebebas Sports City

On May 12, 2004 works began on the future Real Madrid’s Sports City. Today is a modern training center, where the first-division team and all the youth teams work comfortably. It also has the Alfredo DiStefano Stadium where Real Madrid B (Castilla) plays its home games.

Two leagues

In the 2006-07 season, Real Madrid get the league title, a victory that began to take shape on March 18, 2007, after the important match against Barcelona (3-3), what transformed the team. In the last 12 matches, the Real Madrid won ten games, had a draw and only lost with Racing. On June 17, 2007, with victory against Mallorca (3-1), Real Madrid was proclaimed league champion.

The Real Madrid began the 2007-08 season with a new project, with the coach Bernd Schuster and some new players. From the first date, Real Madrid had made clear its commitment to the title. In the second, in a match played against Villarreal (0-5), Schuster's team took the lead, a position that team did not lost all season.

The eighth Spanish Super Cup

After winning for the second consecutive time the League title, Real Madrid won the Super Cup against Valencia. The first leg at Mestalla Stadium came across an adverse result despite being a great night of goals. Valencia won 3-2, but it was not all decided. The white fans not fail and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium dressed up for a return match what will go down in history. Real Madrid won 4-2 scoring its final two goals with 9 players on the field.

Florentino Pérez begins second term as President

After 3 years of absence, Florentino Perez returned to the presidency of Real Madrid on 1 June 2009 during an election campaign in which he ran unopposed. The Florentino Perez candidacy brought about a sense of optimism that helped raise spirits after experiencing the dominance displayed by Barcelona.

Stadium History (5)

World Cup change

The schedule change was initiated by the Argentina World Cup 78. That international event represented a countdown, because Spain had to organize the World Championship in 1982. The Real Madrid knew that the Santiago Bernabeu would be the scene of one of the qualifying stages, in addition to the grand final. Mindful of the eminent role which would reach the site at this event, the Club prepared its proposals for redevelopment in line with FIFA requirements. Luis de Carlos commissioned a project to adapt the stadium to the rigid rules of the Organizing Committee.

The renewal hit the stands, the facade, the interior of the press facilities, parking, lighting, electronic scoreboards and marquee. The cover was the most striking part of the work and covered the three-quarters of the crowd. With it, 15,236 seats and a perimeter strip of approximately 10,000 standing room, were protected from the weather. The canopy was made entirely of metal.

Innovate with new scoreboards

By changing the lighting, the criteria dictated by the World Committee and RTVE (Spanish TV) for broadcasting matches in color, were followed, increasing power to 1,400 lux. Months before the big event on 2 February 1982, also premiered the new electronic scoreboards "Diamond Vision", from Japanese firm Mitsubishi Electric Corporation.

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium 1982

In June 1982, the remodeling of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium were completely finished. The aesthetic transformation was significant. The total capacity of the Stadium was reduced to 98,776 locations, 67,000 feet and 31,776 seats. World Cup 82 was a great success from the organization. The highlight was the final contested between Germany and Italy. The stadium became the focus of millions of homes worldwide.

Extension of 92: the long road to the golden jubilee

At the beginning of the nineties, it was clear that the stadium did not resolve the needs of the Club. Over time, the growth of football and the new rules issued by international organizations (UEFA and FIFA) on security, had led to the stadium becomes obsolete. And small. Only 31,776 available seats. For these reasons, Ramon Mendoza launched the project to remodel the stadium. Building a new stadium, modern and functional, on the same stage where was the "old."

A stadium that grows

Anyway, the main novelty of this reorganization was represented by two new grandstands that covered three quarters of the stadium: the two ends and the west side tribune. It was an impressive ring to accommodate over 20,000 spectators comfortably seated. In addition, the Club would provide an important source of income. This work was undertaken in three phases. On May 7, 1994 was made the definitive opening of the tribune. Over the years, the club made a deep modernization of all offices and facilities of the stadium, besides the area of media, VIP Boxes ...

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium 1994

A stadium at the gates of the new century

In 1998 the Club was fulfilled one of his dreams: all localities were seated, with capacity reduced to 77,500 spectators. Private boxes were created, another innovation that had been introduced in recent years, an original formula of Real Madrid

"Bernabéu 50-year history"

On December 14, 1997, Santiago Bernabeu Stadium celebrated its 50th birthday. For this reason, the Club organized an exhibition inside the stadium, where exhibited the best trophies won during this period of time. The images were part of a compilation of the book "Santiago Bernabeu, 50-year history” which was published to commemorate this event.

Legends: Ricardo Zamora

RICARDO ZAMORA

Ricardo Zamora

Ricardo Zamora Martínez, was known as "Divine." An adjective that describes the effect that Zamora produced on the fans and rivals. Its passage by the Spanish football left a deep imprint. Its always perfect position covering the goal, the security that showed in all his actions, his incredible reflexes, nerves of steel and personality. Undoubtedly one of the best Spanish players in history.

Ricardo Zamora was born in Barcelona in 1901, and began to play soccer when the sport took its first steps in Spain. His career began in 1916 when just 16 years joined RCD Español, club where he trained as a professional player and where he played his first games. In 1919, after a quarrel with the Español executives, joined rival club in the city, Barcelona. He was Barcelona player for three seasons and with the Catalans won his first title, a Spanish Cup.

In 1920 the Spanish football team went to the Olympic Games in Antwerp. In the first action of Spain as a football team in an official tournament, reached the silver medal after winning four matches and losing only the final, which was considered a success. After returning from Belgium, Zamora asked the president of Barcelona, Mr. Gamper, an increase in salary, a request which Barcelona did not accept. In 1922 he returned to Espanyol. Zamora's return to his home club was hatched after a spectacular signing that broke all economic records established.

However, Ricardo Zamora had to taste the sweetness of victory with his arrival at Real Madrid. In midsummer of 1930 the capital of Spain is a hotbed of rumors. Zamora joins Real Madrid. Zamora was basic piece at Real Madrid for the title in the 1931-32 season in a great championship, which the team finished undefeated. Would not be the only league title to win. In the following year he repeated luck with the revalidation of the League. Zamora's competition was once again a basic role in the victory. Zamora increase his record with Real Madrid with two Spanish Cups, achieved in 1934 and 1936 seasons.

On the latter, the last official match football to be played before the civil war that ravaged Spain for three years, was born the myth of Zamora, in a final that faced Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia. The white team won 2-1 and the player was paraded on the shoulders of the enthusiastic spectators fans.

During the Spanish Civil War, Zamora was arrested, being detained at the prison in Barcelona, although there were no known reasons. Finally, the Embassy of Argentina interceded for the release of the player. After his release, Zamora was exiled first to the country that helped rescue, and a year later in Nice (France), a city in which football club he met his friend Josep Samitier. He remained there until the end of the conflict, and retired from football.

As a coach, after the war, he joined Atletico. He coached this club for six seasons and won a league title in 1940-41. Subsequently he held the bench Celta Vigo, Malaga CD, RCD Espanyol and in 1952, for the Spanish National team. He was also coach of Venezuela in 1953. He died on September 8, 1978.

As a tribute to Zamora, the trophy awarded to the keeper with least goals conceded in the league, bears his name. If it had granted in his day, he would have won three times in the 1929/30 season with RCD Espanyol and those of 1931/32 and 1932/33 at Real Madrid.

History: 1991-2000

This was the decade in which the Club won its seventh and eight European Cups. Real Madrid sat on the European throne once more at the end of the 1990s, which had an uneasy first half for the Whites with two League titles lost against Tenerife.

Mendoza advances elections

Although he still had a full year on his ticket, then President Ramón Mendoza advanced the Presidential elections to 14 April 1991. Opposite him was writer Alfonso Ussía, whose results were more than honourable in spite of his diminished resources. The electoral success won Mendoza another four years in the Presidential chair.

Tenerife, the “cursed island”

The decade began with two sports sledgehammer, both in Tenerife, where Real Madrid lost on the last day two league titles. It was a blow to the Real Madrid, lost both titles as the way in which they occurred on both occasions.

The year 1993 closes with two titles for white cabinets. In June, the seventeenth Cup win in Spain by winning the final to Real Zaragoza 2-0 with goals from Emilio Butragueño and Mikel Lasa. And closing the year, is held at the Nou Camp the second leg of the Spanish Supercup where Real Madrid tie with Barcelona (1-1) and win this title. The first match played in Madrid in Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on December 2, the team won 3-1.

Valdano returns to coach the team

After snatching two League titles from Real Madrid and eliminating them from the King's Cup in his capacity as coach of Tenerife, Jorge Valdano signed a coaching agreement with Real Madrid set on putting the Whites back on the road to success and terminate the 4-year Liga title drought. The Argentine did just that in his first season at his former team and all Real Madrid fans got to sing along to the victory chant at the end of the season.

Sanz relieves Mendoza in Club Presidency

After ten and a half years in office, Ramón Mendoza handed in his irrevocable resignation on 20 November 1995. He was relieved by Lorenzo Sanz, who held recourse to Club by-law 49 to get elected as heir to Mendoza by the 11 directors who continued in the Board of Directors following the transfer of power.

Capello makes his debut with Real Madrid

On 20 May 1996, Lorenzo Sanz presented Fabio Capello as new head coach of Real Madrid. The Italian trainer landed in Madrid borne out by his five successful seasons with AC Milan, with whom he won the 1994 European Cup. Although Capello only stayed with the team during the 1996-97 season, he managed to win the League.

Seventh European Cup

After a less than impressive domestic run, coach Jupp Heynckes led the team to win the very much awaited -last one was in 1966, 32 years earlier- European Cup. The venue: Amsterdam Arena. Date: 20 May 1998. The Merengues conquered their seventh top European trophy with a goal by Pedja Mijatovic against the Italian side of Juventus, who were the hot favourites that night.

Second Intercontinental Cup

Guus Hiddink was the manager in charge of guiding Real Madrid to their second Intercontinental Cup after the surprising resignation of Juan Antonio Camacho in July 1998, before the season even began. An extraordinary goal by Raúl in Tokyo sealed the more than fair 2-1 end result for the Whites.

Eighth European Cup & First Spanish Final

Vicente del Bosque took over John Benjamin Toshack as head coach of Real Madrid in mid-season and spearheaded the Madridistas towards raising their eighth European Cup -second Champions League title. The venue was superb: the newly built Saint-Denis stadium of Paris would host the first ever Spanish final -as well as the first ever final of the European Cup between two teams of the same country- on 24 May 2000. It was a vibrant game which saw Madrid triumph over Valencia with a final 3-0 result. It was the last European Cup of the 20th Century and, as the first one, it belonged to the Whites.

Florentino Pérez wins the elections

On 16 July 2000, Florentino Pérez was elected new President of Real Madrid after defeating Lorenzo Sanz in the polls. Pérez's successful campaign was based on two pillars: get rid, for once and for all, of the historical Club debt and sign the best players in the world.

Best Club 20th Century

In a meeting held in Rome in 2000, FIFA decided to name the entity the Best Club of the 20th Century or, by all accounts, the best Club in the history of football. Florentino Pérez and Honourary Club President Alfredo di Stéfano received the accolade honouring.

Source Link

Stadium History (4)

The days following the opening of the stadium, Santiago Bernabéu continued to receive hundreds of compliments from all over the world. Perhaps others had been content with what has been achieved, but he did not. In his mind was brewing new projects. Bernabeu was convinced (and time would agree) that Real Madrid was a feeling that grew day by day, so this field was still small to accommodate such a growing social mass. It was therefore necessary to complete the termination of the arena with the implementation of the "second phase", which was primarily aimed at overcoming the barrier of the 125,000 spectators in total capacity.

Colosal figures

The official start of the works was set March 24, 1953, although they started much earlier. Even during the celebration of its golden jubilee, the March 6, 1952 the club was plunged into full reform of the stadium. The work was completed on July 19, 1954. The magnitudes of the materials used are very close to those of the first phase. In total, 26,000 cubic meters concrete were used, mass and reinforced what were necessary formwork 131,000 meters square, round iron 2,000 tons and 6,000 tons of cement. For the financing was used, the unconditional support of the social mass of the club. The 43,000 partners that Real Madrid had, quickly covered the obligations, which amounted to 12 million pesetas (12,000 euro). On May 15, 1972 was completely canceled the operation to finance the stadium.

Brand new opening: 125,000 spectators in the stands

On June 19, 1954, the New Chamartin was a fact. To celebrate the completion of the works was arranged a friendly match against Athletic Bilbao.The 125,000 tickets were distributed as follows: 7,149 covered seats, outdoor seating 24,079, 19,000 covered feet and 74,772 uncovered feet. Now club could claim that the stadium was the largest and most modern in the continent. Among the many personalities who attended the opening ceremony, M. Williams, a renowned English architect said: "arguably, the best stadium in Europe."

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium 1954

Name: Santiago Bernabéu

Stadium lacked only one thing: a name. The issue was discussed on January 4, 1955 in the general assembly delegates. The president, in his modesty, proposed several alternatives: New Chamartin Stadium, Castellana ... but the audience were clear. The voting was unanimous: from that moment, the field was renamed “Santiago Bernabeu Stadium”, something that never convinced the president. He was not comfortable with change.

The brightness of electric lighting

In subsequent years, the electric light would be the best-known work, as necessary as in sports grounds. The new facility, which will make the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in the best illuminated of the world, developed a light output greater than the Stadium of Los Angeles.

Meets its silver jubilee

On December 14, 1972, the first twenty-five years of the stadium were celebrated. To commemorate this event a friendly match was organized, again against Os Belenenses Lisbon, which served to pay tribute to Francisco Gento, in his farewell as a football player. During this event, the club became a pioneer by inaugurating the first electronic scoreboard installed in a field of Spanish football. On March 2, 1977, the stadium returned to spruce up to celebrate the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of Real Madrid.

1973 project: the stadium was never built

It's funny, but the club came to consider down the stadium and change of location. This occurred in 1973, but the story came from afar. In 1964, a plan involving the construction of a new stadium in the north of the city was advanced. The main reason was the expensive maintenance of a building that had not been remodeled since 1953. The initiative did not succeed because the legal imposing that entailed, the Mayor of Madrid said.

Farewell to Bernabéu, the best president ever

On June 2, 1978 will be a sad reminder date for Real Madrid. Santiago Bernabéu died. The chapel was installed in the stadium. Luis de Carlos will be his successor. The stadium was remodeled due to logical damage and to accommodate new events. The next World Cup, to be held in Spain, will be the perfect impetus to revive the stadium.

Legends: Jacinto Quincoces

JACINTO QUINCOCES

Jacinto Quincoces

Quincoces born in Barakaldo, 17 June 1905, but his family moving to Vitoria for family reasons. This will mean, eventually, something very important in the career of Jacinto. With thirteen years is called by the first team in the capital Vitoria, Alaves, to play just one match against Osasuna in Pamplona. Jacinto was still forming and Alaves definitely engages the player in the 1925-26 season, seven years after that first test.

At this time, the Vitoria team turns in his career and what were defeats turn into successes. Successes that will benefit his players, in particular, Quincoces.

The year was 1931, when Jacinto Quincoces gets the prize for their worth in sports: a move to Real Madrid. Beside him is his inseparable friend and companion Ciriaco. His sobriety and acrobatic punts made him acquire fame. Zamora, Ciriaco and Quincoces formed a legendary defense, which is still cited as one of the best defenses in the world, model technique and strength.

The first year as a Real Madrid player could not be more fruitful, both for Quincoces to Real Madrid. The white team gets the league championship without losing a game in tough battle with Athletic Bilbao, which was resolved in the last two days. Would not be the only award he would get on their way to Real Madrid. The following year, 1932-33 season, Real Madrid would rise again to the league title, one more award to add to the history of fierce defense. In the Cup of Spain, the Madrid achieved the runner-up.

In the next season would be the reverse. Whites, with Quincoces fully integrated would be second in the league tournament and cup winners. Two more consecutive league runners-up gave way to the first cup final between Real Madrid and Barcelona, 21 July 1936. The Madrid won tournament (2-1), in an intense match at Mestalla and Quincoces emerged as an impregnable bulwark.

The Spanish Civil War brought a hiatus to any sporting activity. The war almost retired Quincoce as player, and although he rejoined the Real Madrid, his career was short-lived.

Jacinto Quincoces think of retirement. He is 34 years and the long hiatus of the war seemed an insurmountable handicap. However, he would prolong his career until 1942. On that date and after a match against Sevilla at Chamartin, Quincoces took the decision to leave football career. On December 8 Real Madrid gives him a deserved tribute.

After his retirement, Quincoces continued connected to the football.He became coach and debuted with Zaragoza. After a couple of seasons in the team, was named national coach in 1945. Then he coached Real Madrid, winning the League 1945-46. Jacinto Quincoces died on May 10, 1997 in Valencia.

History: 1981-1990

The emergence of the "Quinta del Buitre" is the most notable of the decade, in which a group of young players from the Castilla (second team) became the watchword of Real Madrid, with five consecutive league titles. Other notable events are the historic comebacks. Magical nights at the Bernabeu today persist in the minds of the Madrid fans.

One minute spells the difference between glory and failure

The 1980/81 season had an unpleasant finish for Madrid. On 26 April 1981, they lost the League when the victory chant was already being sung in Valladolid. Real Sociedad, who drew (2-2) against Sporting in the last minute at El Molinón claimed the title. Barely one month later, on 27 May, an Alan Kennedy goal (82nd minute) gave Liverpool the European Cup, when overtime was the only fair option.

The Bernabéu host the 1982 World Cup final

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium was remodeled for the Spain World Cup 1982.On 11 February of that year were released the scoreboards, being the first club in the world which puts them in his stadium. This is the culmination of a renovation designed to receive The final of the 1982 World Cup. In a thrilling match, Italy outplayed Germany and won 3-1. What most spectators will remember most from that 11 July 1982 was the joy that overcame Sandro Pertini, President if Italy, each time the Italian side scored.

Estadio Santiago Bernabéu 1982

Di Stéfano returns to the club

With the Presidential elections on the horizon, candidate Luis de Carlos introduced Alfredo di Stéfano and Amancio Amaro as coaches of the first team and Castilla on 19 May 1982. The Arrow left Madrid in 1964 and returned to the Club 18 years later. De Carlos defeated Ramón Mendoza in the election and Di Stéfano, who signed on for two years, won five runners-up titles in his first year as the Madridista coach.

Born the germ of the "Quinta del Buitre"

On December 4, 1983 is the date of "birth" of the "Quinta del Buitre". Alfredo Di Stefano start using Castilla players. That day in Murcia debut Martín Vázquez and Sanchis. Manolo Sanchis scored the winning goal. And two months later, Emilio Butragueño, top scorer in Division II and disclosure championship, debut in Cadiz with the first team. His debut will be a harbinger of things to come: scores two goals in the second half and his team get the victory. A new myth was born at Real Madrid. In the preseason of 1984, Amancio completes the work begun by Alfredo Di Stefano and places Míchel in the first team. Mean the beginning of a new and successful era for the institution.

Real Madrid Castilla 1983-84

Butragueño, Pardeza, Martín Vázquez, Michel and Sanchís

The Arrow's second farewell

Once the 1983/84 season had ended, Alfredo di Stéfano again said goodbye to Real Madrid. Twenty-one years later he went through the same experience. His contract ended on 30 June 1984 and Luis de Carlos decided not to resign him due to the failure to achieve sporting success.

Historic downpour of goals against Anderlecht

On 12 December 1984, Emilio Butragueño became a European household name with an unforgettable performance against Anderlecht at the Bernabéu. The Belgians were coming off a 3-0 first leg win in Brussels and had the next round of the UEFA Cup in sight, but Butragueño crushed all their hopes with three goals (the other three were scored by Valdano, two, and Sanchís) and Real Madrid won convincingly 6-1.

Back-to-back UEFA Cup champions

Real Madrid's first two UEFA Cup titles were won back-to-back. The first in 1984 against Hungary's Videoton (3-0 at Sosto Stadium and 0-1 in Chamartín), and the second one year later after defeating FC Köln 5-1 at the Bernabéu and losing 2-0 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.

Five years of fantasy and dominance

The Real Madrid of the Quinta del Buitre won five consecutive Leagues with extraordinary authority (1985/86 to 1989/90) and equalled the record achieved between 1960/61 and 1964/65. During the fifth League, Madrid set a new record by scoring 107 goals in 38 matches. The years belonged to Butragueño's fantasy and the dominance of Hugo Sánchez, who won the Golden Boot along with CSKA Sofia's Hristo Stoitchkov.

Disappointment in the European Cup

On 20 April 1988, the team returns to close to European glory. After leaving in the lurch great teams like Naples, Porto and Bayern, Real Madrid fell in the semifinals against PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch team will win the European Cup.

Source Link

Stadium History (3)

New Chamartín. Exemplary stadium.

Santiago Bernabéu’s initiative, to build a stadium for 100,000 spectators, was described as pharaonic. On the foundations of the old field, a large-scale work was launched, culminating in a great success. Overcome many difficulties, both economic and technical, in mid December 1947 the dream became reality.

Civil War

On July 18, 1936 civil war broke out in Spain. The military conflict would affect the field of Chamartin. At that time Rafael Sanchez Guerra was the chairman of the club, having been elected on May 31, 1935. The civil war ended on April 1, 1939. Following the same, Chamartín was in a terrible state. Had to spend a substantial amount to replace the damage of any kind it had suffered. It never became a concentration camp and was damaged by bombing, but in late March and early April 1939 was used as a place for the classification of prisoners.

Bernabéu dreams of a new stadium

The Old Chamartín was reopened October 22, 1939 to host the first derby of the post-war. As the fans had not fallen, the Madrid field bleachers were filled.At the reopening, the Madrid won 2-1 at Atletico in a match valid for the Regional Championship.

The hostile climate surrounding the Cup semi-final in Spain in 1943 between Real Madrid and Barcelona (with white team defeated 0-3 in the Corts and the memorable victory of 11-1 Madrid! In Chamartin) provoked the beginning of the era Bernabéu, after the abandonment of Antonio Santos Pearl as rector of the Club.

"We'll do a larger field"

Obviously, the Chamartín Field was too small. Madrid's population grew and the love of football. With the successive reforms had expanded to a total of 25,000 tickets, which were far exceeded by the demands of fans

On September 15, 1943, Santiago Bernabéu became president of Real Madrid. Just one year later, Bernabeu was much more ambitious when, in his first board meeting, pronounced the words: "Gentlemen, we need a larger field and we will do it."

On November 1, 1943 the full board visited the camp grounds near the Chamartin Field. Days later, negotiations began to acquire them. The cost amounted to three million pesetas (18,000 euro)

Works

The selection of the construction of works, was made through a design competition convened on February 24, 1945. On April 5, 1945, the final selection was "Huarte y Cia." The duration of the work was estimated at 30 months in two construction phases.

The problems with the construction of new stadium persisted beyond the economic difficulties. The lack of supplies after the war was a serious problem, and Real Madrid had to apply for multiple grants to fix. The lack of cement was about to stall the work on several occasions. The problems ranged from the bleachers to the field, cement and iron to seeds. To sow the grass, the club had to resort to the foreign market (London), due to the nationwide shortage of resources.

All the 1946-47 season Real Madrid played on loan at the “Estadio Metropolitano” (Atletico’s stadium) Several unexpected contingencies delayed the work and the team had to play at home of the red and white "eternal rival".

The opening

On December 14, 1947 the stadium was inaugurated with the celebration of a match between Real Madrid and Portuguese side Os Belenenses. The final result was 3-1 in favor of the white team. Local player Barianaga scored the first goal in the new stadium, officially called the “Real Madrid Stadium”, but known by fans as the “New Chamartín”.

New Chamartín

Legends: Ciriaco Errasti

CIRIACO ERRASTI

Ciriaco Errasti

Ciriaco began playing at the Unión Deportiva Eibar in his hometown, but acquired a wide reputation in the Deportivo Alaves, where he began to form a great defensive tandem with Quincoces. The great work of both was to set their team to the first division. Not unnoticed for Santiago Bernabéu.

Ciriaco was a very strong and powerful player that stood by the forcefulness which he applied in all his actions. He played well but simply, the main slogan for defenders of his time.

His arrival at Real Madrid was quickly endorsed by the successes. In his first two seasons (31-32 and 32-33) won the first two leagues in the history of the club. Its simplicity and forcefulness were instrumental in those titles. In those early campaigns played almost all league matches, forming an almost impregnable defense. Zamora (GK) received only 15 goals in the first championship; 17 in the second.

An injury marred season three of Ciricao. He could play the last two league games. His absence was important and that is why Real Madrid failed to get his third consecutive league title. The importance of the return of the brave defense Eibar was noticeable and Madrid could win the Cup against Valencia. Victory that the team repeated in 1936 by defeating Valencia again by 2-1 in Barcelona. In 1934 he played at full the World Cup in Italy and his trio with Quincoces and Zamora was recognized as the best in the world. The beginning of the Civil War ended the career of a racial defense that left its mark by the indomitable way to defend his team.

Source Link

History: 1971-1980

Santiago Bernabéu died in the 1970s. Before his death, Miguel Muñoz left the team after coaching it for 14 years. The Club's 75th Anniversary celebration didn't receive much support. The decade saw Real Madrid play against Castilla in the final of the Spanish Championship as well as a transitional period that followed Bernabéu's death.

UEFA Cup Winner's Cup finalists

Real Madrid made their debut in the no longer existent UEFA Cup Winner's Cup in the 1970/71 season. They reached the final against Chelsea by defeating Hibernians, Wacker Innsbruck, Cardiff City and PSV Eindhoven. Both sides had to play the game twice at the Greek Karaikiris Stadium because the first match -held on 19 May 1971- ended in a 1-1 draw and neither team was capable of scoring the winning goal during overtime. The second clash took place two days later and Chelsea won 2-1.

Miguel Muñoz's great period ends

Miguel Muñoz became coach of Real Madrid in 1960 when Fleitas Solich left. He ended up winning nine leagues, two Cups of Spain two European Cups and one Intercontinental Cup in 14 seasons. On 15 January 1974, Santiago Bernabéu ended Muñoz's period "because he had been suffering for too long". Luis Molowny, a man from the Club, replaced a living legendOn June 29, 1974, the Cup final put the end to the season. Real won a resounding 4-0 victory against Barcelona.

Real Madrid look to the Balkans

After the 1974/75 season, Luis Molowny was replaced by the Yugoslavian Miljan Miljanic. He signed on 5 July 1974 and from then onwards the team played an unattractive game based on physical efforts and tactical order. This system earned the team two Leagues and one Cup of Spain in three seasons. Another Yugoslavian, Vujadin Boskov, took the reins of the team in 1979. He coached them until half way through the 1981/82 season. He won the League and the King's Cup in his first year as coach.

Prelude to the Great Recoveries

The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium lived one of its most glorious nights on 5 November 1975. Real Madrid recovered from a 4-1 defeat in the first leg of the Last 16 round of the European Cup against Derby County. At the end of the second leg, the result was 4-1 for the Whites, which forced both teams to play overtime. Santillana scored the winning goal; this was the prelude to Real Madrid's Great Recoveries.

No support for the 75th Anniversary Celebrations

In the spring of 1977 are disclosed the events to mark the LXXV anniversary of Real Madrid. Big celebrations and tributes were preparing for this historic event, the 75 year life of Real Madrid. But The anniversary celebrations had little support from the fans because of the team's bad results and Bernabéu's retirement to Santa Pola due to ill health. A few days later, on April 29, signing for Real Madrid the German Ulrich Stielike, which will be added days after Juan Gómez "Juanito". Two different players, two different concepts to understand the game, two great idols for white fans.

Santiago Bernabéu dies

Day of mourning for world football. Santiago Bernabéu died. President of Real Madrid during the last 35 years and a man who was linked to the Club since the first decade of the century. On June 2, 1978, when the World Cup was disputed in Argentina, Santiago Bernabéu died in Madrid. FIFA decreed three days of mourning in that World Cup and decided to observe a minute of silence in his memory, something unheard of until then. It was the mark of respect to all considered as the grand old man of world football. The death of Santiago Bernabéu was a true manifestation of pain and sorrow.

Santiago Bernabéu

Luis de Carlos takes office as President

After a brief period as interim President, Raimundo Saporta called for elections. The Club's treasurer, Luis de Carlos, resigned in order to run for President. 26 July 1978 was the deadline for candidates to apply in order to run for office. De Carlos submitted 3,352 documents endorsing his candidacy, while the rest -gynaecologist Campos Gil and florist José Daguerre- didn't get the minimum number required in time. This called off the election and Luis de Carlos was proclaimed President of Real Madrid.

Santiago Bernabéu Trophy

On August 31, 1979, a year after the death of Don Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid wanted to honor the memory of legendary president. Club created a trophy in his honor where they faced the best teams and players in the world. The first champion was the Bayern Munich. Won the final to Ajax Amsterdam, 2-0. Four European champions, Milan, Bayern, Ajax and Real Madrid, met in this first edition.

The Whitest Cup final

On 4 June 1980, the Santiago Bernabéu hosted the Cup final between Real Madrid and Castilla, the Club's second team, created on 21 July 1972. Castilla managed to defeat four First Division teams -Hércules, Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad and Sporting Gijon- to get to the final of the Spanish Championship. Real Madrid defeated Castilla -coached by the sorely missed Juanjo- 6-1.

Source Link

Stadium History (2)

In the twenties, after spending a brief affair in the Linear City Velodrome, Real Madrid built a field which caused great excitement inside and outside the capital of Spain. In 1924 the club built the Old Chamartin, historical sports field with a capacity for 15,000 spectators. That was his home for 23 years.

O’Donnell

At the end of the 1922-23 season, after winning the Central Region champion, the great event of the campaign was the forced abandonment of the old field in O'Donnell street. The landowner, Laureano Garcia, asked Madrid to let him free to build houses. Club leaders, started negotiations with Arturo Soria, creator of velodrome that existed in the Ciudad Lineal. There were no problems with the Soria family and within a month, as directed by the architect José María Castell, Real player for six seasons (1913-1919), the velodrome will be adapted for football practice.

A memorable date

The opening of the stadium, one of the first grass fields of the capital and a theoretical capacity of 8,000, had a great impact. To celebrate the opening, the Board of Directors of Real Madrid hosted a banquet in the superb restaurant of the Ciudad Lineal, sitting at the table with the notable players who then opened the field and the representation of the Press and the Federation.

Assistance resented

The spectators were in the stands, space and comfort, but failed to be sufficient grounds for the exodus of a great number of fans. Move to the Velodrome was an adventure. Had to take the tram to “Ventas” and there a yellow tram, very slow, which arrived at the “Ciudad Lineal”. The assistance was resented and the Club, after failing to reach an agreement with the owners of the new Metropolitan Stadium, decided to take the great adventure of building a new field.

Loan of 500,000 pesetas (3,000 euro)

Chamartín field was a vision of Carlos López-Quesada. Former Real Madrid player and manager on several occasions, proposed the idea and how to carry it into effect. In late 1923, the Real Madrid leased for a period of six months and half a field located 900 meters from the Hippodrome, known by the name of “Villa Rosa”.

The completion of the works demanded a loan of 500,000 pesetas (3,000 euro), which was endorsed by Carlos López-Quesada, the president and directors Pedro Parages, José de la Peña and Bernardo Menéndez. Took over the leadership of works José María Castell. Their project included the construction of a grandstand with 4,000 seats and all developments and existing facilities of the best sports fields.

Election of the new name

There was discussion about the name that should bring the new field. Some wanted to call it “Real Madrid Sports Park”, but majority chose the more modest “Real Madrid Football Club Field”. The fans called it Chamartín and it has passed into history, but never was its official name. The final purchase of the land became effective on June 30, 1927. The club was headed by Luis Urquijo.

Great premiere

To inaugurate the stadium was organized a match against Newcastle, the english professional team, which offered such an excellent game in the traditional FA Cup. Real Madrid won the match 3-2 and created great enthusiasm among his supporters.

Future in Focus

More than twenty-four years passed before the Real Madrid opened the New Chamartin, seated on the pillars of the old, which was sublime prologue of the current stadium. Years in which the joys and sorrows came together on that historic field. A field, the Old Chamartin, which practically had to be rebuilt after the Spanish civil war.

In 1943, Santiago Bernabéu, after becoming president, thought the initiative to build a stadium that was the envy of European football. The Old Chamartín was the prologue to the new and majestic coliseum Madrid.

Source Link

Legends: Santiago Bernabéu

SANTIAGO BERNABÉU

Santiago Bernabéu

Playing career

Bernabeu was born in 1895 in a village of Albacete.He was the seventh son of José Bernabéu, lawyer and administrator in Valencia, and Antonia de Yeste, of cuban origin. With only five years he moved to Madrid with his parents and brothers.

After reaching the capital of Spain, Bernabéu entered the Alfonso XII Royal School of the Augustinians in “San Lorenzo de El Escorial”, where he had his first contact with football. In addition, his older brothers Antonio and Marcelo were also players. Later he studied high school at the Cardenal Cisneros Institute and studied law at the Central University. Although he graduated as a lawyer, never pursued that career.

At school Bernabéu began playing center forward on the soccer team, a position he assumed in his first team, Gimnástica de Madrid. During his time as a bachelor gets to enter Madrid FC- the current Real Madrid CF, where his brother, Antonio Bernabeu, was one of the founding partners. Although the coaches wanted to play as a goalkeeper, his brother Marcelo managed to convince them to play the striker position. The player was part of the youth team for three seasons, until in 1913 he debuted in the ranks of first team

Bernabeu was Real Madrid striker from 1913 to 1927 and during its period of activity scored 69 goals in 78 games, being a hard and effective player.Was also part of the Madrid squad that won the Copa del Rey 1917. Santiago never played an international soccer match in the Spanish team, although it got to be summoned for a match against Portugal on December 17, 1922, without ever debut.

Santiago Bernabéu (Player)

Member of the Board

Santiago Bernabéu retired from football in 1927 and wanted to continue leading the football team. At that time took a position as delegate and assistant coach, and a year later was appointed manager during the period of President Luis Urquijo.

In 1929 he assumed the secretariat of the Board of Directors of Real Madrid, a job he held until 1935. In those years saw the birth of the Spanish Football League with the professionalization of the institutions as the main objective. Its work was instrumental in the signing of players such as Ricardo Zamora. In 1934 Castilian Football Federation awarded him the medal for footballing merit.

With the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War took refuge, for two years, in the embassy of France. Later he went into exile in that country and in the last months of the conflict he enlisted in the ranks of the national side.

Real Madrid Presidency

After the war, he returned to the Real Madrid leadership positions, which in those years going through a difficult situation losing most of their best players and without stadium or office. In those years, married in 1940 to Maria Valencia and took a position as a Finance Ministry official.

On September 15, 1943, the Board appointed Real Madrid president Santiago Bernabéu, who has set as its objective the construction of a new stadium, heal the battered economy of the club and professionalize the institution. In June of 1944 formalized the purchase of some adjoining land to the former Chamartín to build the facility, and finally the new Chamartin Stadium was inaugurated on December 14, 1947 with victory over Belenenses 3-1 with 70,000 spectators in the stands. The Board of the club changed the name of the camp on January 4, 1955 by the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, despite the initial reluctance of the president.
Later he opened the sports city, an independent training center of the football stadium which was the usual venue for the preparatory exercises.

In a first stage without success in sports, Bernabéu tried to consolidate the reform on the Real Madrid sporting institutions. After, the club won major titles becoming one of the powers of international football (16 Spanish Leagues, 6 Spanish Cups, 6 European Cups and 1 Intercontinental Cup)

He passed his last months of life relatively smoothly and the president received important awards, including gold and diamond medal of the Royal Spanish Football Federation and the gold medal for sporting merit, awarded by the King Juan Carlos I. He died on June 2, 1978.

History: 1961-1970

A glorious cycle was drawing to an end after two defeats in two different European Cup finals against Benfica and Inter Milan, respectively. The decline of the players that had thrilled the whole of Europe ended with their departure from the Club. Miguel Muñoz's generational reshuffle was eventually successful. The so called "Ye-Yés” regained the European crown by winning the Club's sixth European Cup.

Madricide against Barcelona

Real Madrid were eliminated from the European Cup for the first time in November 1960 against Barcelona. English referees Ellis and Leafe played a big role in the Madridista defeat. The former allowed an unfair penalty to Barcelona at the Bernabéu and the match eventually ended with a 2-2 score. The latter disallowed four Real Madrid goals at the Camp Nou and Barcelona won 2-1. The international press heavily criticised Ellis and Leafe's performance and coined the term Madricide to describe Real Madrid's unjust elimination.

Barcelona get thrashed eleven days later

Real Madrid took revenge from their defeat against Barcelona a few days later by defeating the Catalans 5-3 at the Camp Nou on 4 December. The Real Madrid remained the king of Spanish football. Titles, in this decade, fell in the showcase of Real Madrid, despite the great figures (Rial, Di Stefano, Puskas, Santamaria ...) were leaving the club at different times. Had to renew the equipment and Miguel Muñoz injected new life into the team, primarily with young Spanish players. On March 12, 1961, the team wins a league in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Until that day, no Spanish team had made so many records in the league. Won twenty-four of thirty games played, taking the title with five days in advance. Puskas was the top scorer with 27 goals. With this victory, the Madrid won the trophy property.

Defeat in Europe

The big disappointment came in the European Cup. The date of May 2, 1962 saw the Benfica wins in the Cup final in which all adverse circumstances are allied against Real Madrid. It was one of the most bitter days for society. Bad luck haunted whites over 90 minutes. Bitterness is mitigated by achieving a historic double in football homeland. On July 8, 1962, team defeated Sevilla in the spanish cup final 2-1.

The new sports city

On 18 May 1963, the Real Madrid sports city was opened, located on “Avenida de la Castellana”. The sports complex will glorify the heritage of the Club and host future values of the base teams.

Di Stéfano kidnapped for three days

Alfredo Di Stéfano was kidnapped at the Potomac Hotel in Caracas, where Real Madrid were staying during the World Club Championship. He was taken away the night of the 21 August 1963 by the Libebration Front of Venezuela. "I thought they were going to kill me," wrote the player in his autobiography "Gracias, Vieja". The kidnapping had great impact and his captors got the publicity they wanted. Di Stéfano was freed three days later.

Di Stéfano's bitter farewell

On 27 June 1964, Alfredo Di Stéfano played his last official match as a Real Madrid man at Vienna's Prater Stadium against Inter Milan in the ninth European Cup final, which the Italian side won 3-1. Di Stéfano had a confrontation with coach Miguel Muñoz and Santiago Bernabéu took the latter's side. The President offered the player to stay at the Club to do other jobs, but he refused and signed for Español.

Five consecutive League titles... Again

Real Madrid are the only team to have won the League five consecutive times twice in the spanish competition. The first time they achieved this was between the 1960/61 and 1964-65 seasons and they repeated the feat between the 1985-86 and 1989-90 seasons. No other Spanish team has been able to break this record.

The "Ye-Yés" crown themselves as European champions

Miguel Muñoz's generational reshuffle of the team in 1964 was successful two years later. On 11 May 1966, Real Madrid won their sixth European Cup title at Brussel's Heysel Stadium against Partizan Belgrade, whom they defeated 2-1. This was the "Ye-Ye" team. "Ye-Ye" was how youngsters were called in Spain in the Sixties, especially those who looked like the Beatles. The team back then was formed by Araquistain; Pachín, De Felipe, Sanchís; Pirri, Zoco; Serena, Amancio, Grosso, Velázquez and Gento.

Closing decade

In the last years of the decade, the team continues its course in the Spanish championship, winning three league titles in seasons 1966-67, 1967-68 and 1968-69, in addition to winning spanish cup in 1970 after beating Valencia at the Nou Camp, 3-1.

Source Link

Stadium History (1)

First field next to the bullring

On a site next to the bullring the Madrid Football Club installed the playground. The land was owned by Queen Christina, mother of Alfonso XIII, who leased by the almost symbolic price of 150 pesetas (1 euro) per year. In the growing Alcalá street, crossing the tram tracks that reached "Ventas del Espíritu Santo", there was a building, the "Casa de las Bolas", whose bass, was a tavern called "La Taurina". There the players dressed and kept the goal posts.

Opening next to bullring

On March 6, 1902, the organization was officially founded under the presidency of Juan Padrós Rubio. Three days later, the "Heraldo of Sport" published this review: "On Sunday the 9th of this month (meaning March 1902) held a match in the field next to the bullring, the first of which is proposed to hold this company (Madrid Football Club) to serve test for players and be able to form its first team"

The best of the village and court

In the 1911-12 season, Madrid Football Club would be the best course in Madrid city. Urban growth, coupled with the growth of members, was the main reason to move to their new field, located in the block adjacent to the former, between "Duque de Sesto", "Fernán González", "Narváez" and "O'Donnell" streets. The field was packed into a true team effort. Most partners, including Santiago Bernabeu and his brother Marcelo, Pedro Parages, Julio Chulilla, Carlos Aparicio, Bernardo Melendez, José Irureta, Luis Saura ... got to work in preparing the field, paving the way, nailing stakes or arranging seats.

A fence to prevent invasionsA fence to prevent invasions

The increasing influx of spectators forced to take a measure of some significance: separating players from spectators by a physical barrier. Thanks to money from members and a loan that made the vice president Pedro Parages, the vocal Federico Revuelto, and Juan Padrós first president of the club, and the material provided by the timber handler Adrian Piera, a first fence was built, painted white to prevent the invasion of fans on the pitch. Before the official opening, the Madrid held some matches in the field of O'Donnell. One of them in July 1912, with Barcelona as the rival. The opening of O'Donnell Field was the October 31, 1912.

The most modern

In 1914, a year after the premiere, the Club made another large investment in the field of O'Donnell, built a platform of choice for the authorities, the directors and the families of the players, with a capacity for 216 people. Added a general tier iron chairs to accommodate 600 to 800 spectators. A sufficient capacity, if we consider that, at that time, the Club said to have about 400 members. The beginning of every game was a ritual. Players carried the goals post and mounted it with nails and wooden boxes. It was the third most expensive addition of the field that, nevertheless, was considered one of the most modern of the time.

Goodbye to intimate field

On February 6, 1916 opened the new stand of choice. It had a capacity for 6,000 spectators. That year, also was built for 7,000 pesetas (42 euro), a prefabricated house that became a wardrobe, which were installed toilets and showers that were the envy of football in Madrid. At that time, Madrid Football Club disbursed a total of 25 pesetas (0,15 euro) a month for the maintenance of the site, after had installed electric lights in the house.

Source Link

Legends: Juan Padrós

JUAN PADRÓS

Juan Padrós

Born in Barcelona in 1869, son of Timoteu Padrós and Paula Rubio, who ran a textile business in the Catalan capital. In 1886 he moved to Madrid, where he led with his brother Carlos, the family business “Al Capricho”, a fabric boutique at number 48, Calle de Alcala.

On March 6, 1902, along with his brother and former members of the Sky Foot Ball Club, founded the named Madrid Foot Ball Club. Juan Padrós was elected to the Constituent Assembly as the first official president of the club and took charge of the probate proceedings of the society, whose first office was installed in the back room of his own trade of Alcalá.

The first meeting of the new formed club took place just three days later face among themselves members of the entity, divided into two groups: blue and red. Juan Padrós, sided with the former, while his brother was the referee of the match.

After creating the new club, the efforts of the brothers parents focus on the implementation of a national inter-club championship. The Championship of Spain was organized by the club, always with the help of his brother Carlos, then chairman of the regional federation.

In 1903 Juan Padrós saw as the presiding club won their first title, the Central Regional Championship.

In early 1904, Madrid FC absorbed “AS Amicale” and, shortly afterwards, joined the “Moderno FC”, after which Juan Padrós left the club presidency in favor of his brother.

After a long period away from the football matters, the name of Juan Padrós returned to the present in July 1911, when the assembly of the Spanish Federation of Foot-ball Clubs asked him, as president. The pressures did, finally, Padrós to accept the position on an interim basis that had rejected a year earlier. His term lasted only one year, long enough to achieve the reunification of Spanish football around the Royal Spanish Football Federation, founded in September 1913.

History: 1951-1960

Real Madrid turned legend into myth in the 1950s. The Club celebrated its 50 year anniversary and signed Di Stéfano during this magnificent decade. The arrival of the Argentine player was an inflexion point for the Whites. The team won their first League in 21 years and Bernabéu and Saporta played key roles in the establishment of the European Cup, which Real Madrid won five years in a row. The crowning moment to the decade was the Whites' victory in the first Intercontinental Cup.

On March 6, 1952 will mark the Golden Jubilee of Real Madrid. On this occasion were organized various events, including an international tournament. The Millionaires, most representative team in the American continent, is awarded the trophy. In its ranks, a man dazzles the fans white: Alfredo di Stefano. On 28 June this year, the Madrid began a tour of Latin America. After two games in Colombia, go to Venezuela to compete in the Small World Cup in the round robin mode. Despite the high level of rivals, Ipiña team is awarded the tournament deservedly.

The soap opera that was Di Stéfano's signing

Alfredo Di Stéfano met Santiago Bernabéu in March 1952 during the anniversary celebrations and his signing for the Club resembled a soap opera in which Santiago Bernabéu, Raimundo Saporta, Enrique Martí, Barcelona President and Technical Secretary José Samitier, Millonarios President Alfonso Senior, River Plate President Enrique Pardo and Spanish FA Board Member Armando Muñoz Calero played leading roles. Bernabéu's strategy and Martí's mistakes made Di Stéfano sign for Real Madrid.

Alfredo Di Stefano

Di Stéfano's hectic debut

On 23 September 1953, Alfredo Di Stéfano, his wife and daughters arrived in Madrid from Barcelona at 10:30 am. As soon as he entered Madrid's Atocha Railway Station, the player went to the Club, passed his medical exam, had lunch, left his family at the Emperatriz Hotel, met his new teammates in the dressing room and played his first game at 3:30 pm. It was a friendly game against Nancy the Whites won by 4-2. Di Stéfano scored his first goal as a Real Madrid player on the 67-minute mark.

Third League title, 23 years later

The first consequence of Alfredo di Stéfano's signing was winning the 1953/54 League. The Club hadn't won the title since the 1932/33 season and euphoria spread throughout Madridismo. Twenty-one years later, fans could sing the victory chant again thanks to coach Enrique Fernández.

Chamartín Stadium is renamed as Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

In the 4 January 1955 General Assembly, Messrs. Zapater and Caso proposed changing the name of the stadium to Santiago Bernabéu. The proposal was approved and the President reluctantly accepted this honour as it was the will of the Club's voting members.

Driving force behind the creation of the European Cup

Santiago Bernabéu was one of the people to enthusiastically embrace the proposal of Gabriel Hanot -Chief Editor of L'Equipe- of creating a European tournament to determine which was the best team in the continent. On 2 April 1955, representatives of the most prestigious football clubs in Europe heeded the call of L'Equipe Director Jacques Goddet and met at the Ambassador Hotel in Paris. Bernabéu's leadership skills amazed everyone at the meeting.

The European legend starts in Geneva

Real Madrid made their European Cup debut in the competition's first edition on 8 September 1955 in Geneva against Servette. They won 2-0 thanks to goals by Muñoz and Rial. The Madrid expedition was greeted the day prior to the match in Lausanne by Queen Victoria Eugenia, Don Juan and Don Juan Carlos -currently Juan Carlos I, King of Spain.

First European champions

After eliminating Servette and complicated sides like Partizan Belgrade and Milan, Real Madrid defeated Stade Reims in the Paris final 4-3, coming back from a 2-0 score in favour of the French side. The trophy was a 23.2 kg, 66 cm tall amphora. The 13 June 1956 victors were: Juan Alonso; Atienza, Marquitos, Lesmes; Muñoz, Zárraga; Joseíto, Marsal, Di Stéfano, Rial and Gento.

Two-time European Champion at the Bernabéu

On 30 May 1957, 125,000 fans witnessed how Real Madrid were crowned European champions for the second time running at the Santiago Bernabéu after defeating Fiorentina. The Italian side's catenaccio was responsible for the 0-0 score at the end of the first half. The draw was kept on the score until the 70-minute mark, when Di Stéfano scored from a penalty that came from a tackle on Mateos. Six minutes later, Gento netted a spectacular lob that went over keeper Sarti and Real Madrid eventually won the match 2-0. Real Madrid's starting line-up was as follows: Juan Alonso; Torres, Marquitos, Lesmes; Muñoz, Zárraga; Kopa, Mateos, Di Stéfano, Rial and Gento.

Di Stéfano is awarded his first Ballon d'Or

Alfredo Di Stéfano received his first Ballon d'Or from Jacques Ferrán, Director of France Football, on 23 January 1958. The ceremony was held at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium before the Real Madrid-Sevilla European match scheduled for the day. Di Stéfano scored four of the eight strikes Real Madrid tallied against the Andalusian side. Di Stéfano was awarded the Ballon d'Or again in 1959.

Three-time European Champion

Real Madrid became European champions for the third time at Heysel Stadium in Brussels after defeating Milan in overtime 3-2. The extraordinary match saw both teams showcasing professional pride. Gento's goal in overtime crowned the Whites as champions.

Ferenc Puskas

11 August 1958, after tough negotiations, Ferenc Puskas was acquired by the entity. Will be a great reinforcement of the season. A legendary figure in world football, is considered one of the best players in history. Nicknamed "Little Cannon Pum Pum" due to his unerring left-foot shot and his goals.

Ferenc Puskas

European kings again

Madridismo triumphed again in the fourth European Cup final. The match was held in Stuttgart and Real Madrid faced an old foe: Stade Reims. The Whites earned a 2-0 victory thanks to goals by Mateos and Di Stéfano and kept their European crown. Real Madrid were already considered as the best team in Europe.

Five-time champions

On 18 May 1960, Real Madrid won their fifth consecutive European title in Glasgow, a feat that as of today stands unrivalled. Hampden Park saw how the Whites defeated Eintracht Francfort 7-3, thanks to four goals by the unforgettable Puskas and three by Di Stéfano

First Intercontinental Cup champions

On September 4, 1960, Real Madrid were crowned as the best team in the world after beating, in the first Intercontinental Cup final in history, Montevideo Peñarol by 5-1 on aggregate. After the first leg, played in Uruguay and ended with 0-0, Real Madrid did not miss the opportunity to offer a new title to the 120,000 spectators who lined the steps of the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. Puskas (2), Di Stefano and Herrera made local five goals, and Spencer scored the consolation goal of Peñarol.

Source Link

History: 1941-1950

If in the sport this decade was the weakest of all the history of Real Madrid, from here starts the future success of the Club. Madrid was destroyed after the civil war, but this was a prescient man, Santiago Bernabeu, who will lay the foundations of a team that, over the years, will be recognized as the Best Club of the twentieth century.

The Club recovers its crown

On January 1, 1941, after recovering its crown, Madrid Football Club changed their name to Real Madrid Club de Fútbol. The Real Madrid was reinforced by a number of players trying to mitigate the effects of civil strife that had left the team without its most emblematic figures. Thus, in the first year of the decade came Barinaga and Olivares, two players who would make history in the Club. By contrast, the April 5, 1941, one of the great legends of the club, Jacinto Quincoces, considered the best defender in the world at the time, played his last game for Real Madrid.

Historical victory against Barcelona: 11-1

In the second leg of the semifinals of the Spanish Cup in 1943, Real Madrid earned an historical victory over Barcelona, defeating the Catalans 11-1. The Whites were bitter about the 3-0 defeat at Las Corts Stadium in the first leg and the bad reception Barcelona's fans gave them. They stepped onto the pitch at Chamartín Stadium determined to earn a victory and sealed a spectacular 8-0 score at the end of the first half. At the end of the match, the score-board reflected an historical figure: 11-1. Pruden (4), Barinaga (3), “Chus” Alonso (2), Alsúa and Botella scored Real Madrid's eleven strikes, while Martín tallied Barcelona's only goal.

Bernabéu's era begins

Antonio Santos Peralba, President of Real Madrid, and Mesa de Asta, President of Barcelona, were forced out of their jobs by the hostilities between both teams during the semifinals. In gatherings attended by outstanding figures at Real Madrid the name of Santiago Bernabéu, who had no dealings with the Club since 1935, came up. He was easily convinced to become the Club's next President and his appointment was made public on 15 September 1943. Ernesto Cotorruelo, President of the Football Association of Castilla, presided the Presidency Handover between Peralba and Bernabéu, which was also attended by members of their Boards of Directors.

With him as President is opened the largest page in the history of Real Madrid. A few months later, the first major project of Santiago Bernabéu is becoming a reality: they buy land to build a new stadium. Two months later, work began: Santiago Bernabéu, pick in hand, symbolically began the construction of the stadium that years later will bear his name.

Santiago Barnabéu

Chamartín cost 37 million pesetas

In spring 1943, Santos Peralba pointed out that a new stadium should be built and that it should hold a crowd of 40,000 people. Less than a year later, Santiago Bernabéu was much more ambitious in one of his Board meetings: "Gentlemen, we need a much larger Stadium and we are going to build it." Bernabéu decided to build a stadium capable of holding 75,000 people in its first stage and whose building works would amount to 37 million pesetas (222,375 Euro).

Bernabéu's first two titles

The 1940s weren't the best of decades for Real Madrid, but they marked the start of Bernabéu's office and the Club's return to winning titles. Jacinto Quincoces takes over the team. On June 13, 1946, ten years after the great final in Valencia, Real Madrid validates the Cup title with Valencia who started as a clear favorite. Real Madrid won 3-1. That same year, Quincoces consumes his great ambition: Luis Molowny join Real Madrid. The second consecutive Cup of Spain was won in 1947 after defeating Español 2-0.

Pioneer in having numbered shirts

On 23 November 1947, in a game against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium, Real Madrid became the first Spanish team to wear numbered shirts. It was Pablo Hernández Coronado's idea. The Spanish FA liked the initiative an decreed in 1948 that every team should have their players numbered in the range between 2 and 11. Once again, Real Madrid were pioneers in Spanish football.

Spectacular inauguration of the new Chamartín Stadium

The inauguration of the new Chamartín Stadium was very solemn. A mass was held on 14 December 1947, followed by a series of acts paying tribute to Santiago Bernabéu's vision and to the members whose money had financed the construction. The match between Real Madrid and Os Belenenses kicked-off at 3:30 pm when they were over. Real Madrid defeated the Portuguese side 3-1 and the new Colosseum became the pride of all Madrdismo and the envy of every football Club in Spain.

Chamartin Stadium 1947

Kubala's failed signing

In 1948, Real Madrid underwent a radical renewal of their squad. Two years later, they tried to sign Ladislao Kubala, who had arrived in Spain with his then team Hungaria. Negotiations were called off because the player wanted to include his brother-in-law, Fernando Daucik, as coach in the deal and Bernabéu did not comply.

Source Link