Atlético de Madrid: 50 Years of Intercontinental Glory
50 years ago, Atlético de Madrid conquered the world. On April 10, 1975, the Metropolitano vibrated with an epic victory against Independiente de Avellaneda, granting the club the title of Intercontinental Cup.
After falling 1-0 in Argentina, the team led by Luis Aragonés came back with determination and passion at home. The starting eleven, with names like Pacheco, Heredia, Irureta, and Ayala, will be engraved in the red and white memory.
Irureta leveled the tie, but it was Ayala’s goal in the 85th minute that unleashed euphoria. A goal that, as the anthem says, resonated from the stands when kissing the net. Ayala remembers with emotion how he felt that this final was destined to be theirs.
Aragonés’ strategy was key, nullifying the key figures of Independiente and allowing Gárate and Ayala to shine in attack. Iñaki Pacheco, son of goalkeeper José Pacheco, recalls his father’s pride in having been a starter in a match he defined as “for the brave”.
That Atlético showed courage by traveling to Argentina in a complicated geopolitical context and overcoming the initial defeat. It was a team that shook off the thorn of the European Cup final. A title that crowned Atlético as the best team in the world, a feat that continues to inspire generations of Atlético fans.
