The 1964 European Cup Final was a battle between two of the biggest names in European football, Real Madrid and Inter Milan. The match took place at the Prater Stadium in Vienna, Austria, on May 27, 1964, and is still remembered as one of the most iconic matches in football history.
Real Madrid, managed by Miguel Muñoz, was looking to win its sixth European Cup title, while Inter Milan, led by the legendary Helenio Herrera, was aiming to win its first. The match was played in front of a capacity crowd of 72,000 spectators, with millions more watching on television around the world.
The match began with a fast and furious pace, with both teams creating several early chances. However, it was Inter Milan who struck first, with Sandro Mazzola scoring a penalty in the 43rd minute after a foul by Real Madrid’s Jose Santamaria. Inter Milan went into halftime with a 1-0 lead, much to the delight of their passionate fans.
Real Madrid came out strongly in the second half, with Ferenc Puskás and Amancio leading the charge. However, Inter Milan’s defense held firm, led by the legendary Giacinto Facchetti and the Brazilian full-back, Jair. Inter Milan extended their lead in the 60th minute when Aurelio Milani scored a stunning goal from outside the box.
Real Madrid refused to give up and continued to push forward, but Inter Milan’s defense held strong. The match ended 3-1 in favor of Inter Milan, with Mazzola scoring his second goal of the match in the 77th minute. The victory was a historic moment for Inter Milan, who went on to dominate Italian football under the guidance of Helenio Herrera.
Despite the defeat, Real Madrid’s star-studded team featuring the likes of Puskás, Santamaria, and Francisco Gento, left an indelible mark on the football world. The match is still remembered for its high intensity, skill, and drama, and continues to inspire football fans around the world.
In conclusion, the 1964 European Cup Final between Real Madrid and Inter Milan will forever be remembered as one of the greatest matches in football history. It showcased the best of European football and cemented the rivalry between these two legendary clubs.
