History: The UEFA Cup Winners' Cup

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The UEFA Cup Winners' Cup was a European football club competition contested annually by the winners of domestic cup competitions. 

The Cup Winners' Cup was for a long time regarded by UEFA as the second biggest European club competition, behind the European Cup (now Champions League) but ahead of the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup (later the UEFA Cup and now Europa League).

The video below explores some of the most iconic matches and moments in the competition. 

One of those iconic moments in more detail

1983 final: Aberdeen 2 - 1 Real Madrid

Yes you read that correctly. Aberdeen once beat Real Madrid in the final of a European competition. It was a match and occasion that put a certain Alex Ferguson in the spotlight. 

Aberdeen took the lead early in the first half with a goal by Eric Black, but Real Madrid drew level following a penalty scored by Juanito in the fifteenth minute. 

It remained 1-1 so the match went into extra time. The winning goal was scored for Aberdeen by John Hewitt in the 112th minute. Aberdeen won the match 2–1 and claimed their first and only European trophy.

What was the impact?

The impact of this match was huge. It proved that Scottish clubs outside of the Old Firm could compete in major European competitions. 

Three years later, Alex Ferguson became manager of Manchester United. Eight years later, he would lead his new side to win the same competition. More of that later on but you can see some of the highlights below.

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