Atlético-Real Madrid: A European Classic with Unexpected Origins
The history of the Madrid derby has a fascinating chapter in the 1959 European Cup. After two intense semi-final matches, with Real Madrid winning in Chamartín and Atlético in the Metropolitano, the score was still tied. With no away goal rule, a play-off match was inevitable.
The choice of venue was a real battle. Meeting at the Hotel Velázquez in Madrid, directors from both clubs and representatives of UEFA and the Spanish Federation negotiated until the early hours of the morning.
Real Madrid proposed playing in the capital, while Atlético defended the neutrality of the pitch, relying on the regulations. After hours of debate and multiple proposals, it was finally agreed that the play-off would be played at La Romareda, Zaragoza.
A location halfway between Madrid and Barcelona, where Atlético had played the previous weekend. UEFA accepted the proposal, although it acknowledged that it would not have opposed a match in Madrid, given the exceptional nature of facing two teams from the same city.
The match was a vibrant duel that ended in victory for Real Madrid thanks to goals from Di Stéfano and Puskas. Collar scored for Atlético, but it was not enough. The result qualified Real Madrid for the final, where they would conquer their fourth European Cup.
