It is 65 years since Madrid's debut in the European Cup

The 65th anniversary of Real Madrid's first meeting in the European Cup. A tournament that bears the name of the Madrid team since its inception: it was Santiago Bernabéu who decided to support the creation of a European tournament. An idea by Gabriel Hanot (editor of L’Équipe), in which the champions of each League are measured to determine a final champion. For this reason, the Madrid president did not hesitate to organize meetings until the tournament was formalized (initially, UEFA did not see the proposal favorably because it overshadowed the Fairs Cup that she had set up).

After a year of meetings, in September 1955 the European Club Champions Cup started. On September 8, the Whites made their debut in this competition in Switzerland, against Servette, and under the gaze of the Royal Family (Queen Victoria Eugenia, Don Juan and Don Juan Carlos offered a reception to the white expedition). The setting was the Charmilles stadium in Geneva. Nearly 20,000 spectators witnessed a match that would mark a stage in Madrid and world football.

The whites were clear favorites against a Swiss team that came out not to be thrashed. With a crowded defense of three players, joined by the media and the occasional striker, he stopped any Madrid attack. In addition, once the defensive wall was crossed, the goal Ruesch prevented the arrival of the Spanish goal. After the initial stress, the Servette began to show its virtue: it showed patience to reach the white goal and make Juanito Alonso uncomfortable.

When least expected, the first goal of the match arrived. Di Stéfano controlled the ball in the center of the field. He yielded to Muñoz, who advanced and shot lazily on the Swiss goal. But the ball was gaining height and surprised the Swiss goalkeeper: it was Madrid's first goal in the European Cup. In a quick action from Madrid forward Rial, with a strong shot, scored the second goal. The whites began their love affair with the European Cup with victory. It was the first step in a legend that has seen Real Madrid lift 13 titles in this tournament: no one else can boast of having won so many. History that you made … history to do.