One of the greatest ever football stories has a new chapter
The 1983 European Cup Winners' Cup Final was a football match contested between Aberdeen and Real Madrid
<More news and stories involving Aberdeen>
It was the 23rd European Cup Winners' Cup final, a football tournament contested by the winners of each qualifying nation's national cup. The competition was eventually disbanded in the late 1990's but it often provided some special moments.
This particular triumph was led by one of the greatest football bosses of all time.
SAF gains a 1983 Cup Winners Cup medal at last.
The legendary manager can add one more to his vast collection, with UEFA recently granting a medal for this iconic success. The thought of a Scottish team outside of Glasgow winning a European trophy is almost unthinkable now.
Depite Fergies huge part in this success, only the starting players and five substitutes received winners' medals after a famous win over Real Madrid. His Assistant manager Archie Knox and midfielder Dougie Bell, who missed the final because of injury, will also be rewarded.
This followed a campaign led by Chris Gavin on behalf of the AFC Heritage Trust.
Ferguson told the media: "It's a great honour to be receiving this medal and I am grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen. Their efforts, along with the cooperation of UEFA, is much appreciated. It's also fantastic to see some of the wonderful people who worked tirelessly behind the scenes during this hugely successful period for the club now being honoured."
🏅 As part of the celebrations planned for May, Aberdeen FC and @AFCHeritage Trust can reveal that thanks to some tireless work behind the scenes, UEFA have kindly supplied additional European Cup Winners’ Cup medals for those who did not receive one at the Final.
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) April 3, 2023
One Aberdeen fan told us: "This was the greatest night in our history and it's only fair that everyone involved gets their official reward and recognition."
Sean, another Dons fan, added: "I was at the match due to living in Gothenburg at the time. It was the greatest football experience that I've ever been involved with."
Peter James was only 19 at the time, so couldn't get to the match. He still remembers the occasion and also believes Ferguson should have been given the medal many years ago. He said: "I find it hard to believe that people from that squad are only just getting medals for that special night."
The Real Madrid perspective
Real Madrid were strong favourites to win this match, so this defeat was a huge shock to everyone associated with the club. Manuel is a Madrid fan that has been to matches for the last 55 years. He said: "This was a massive shock and disappointment. However, we have made up for it over the years."
