1956 · 1957

2nd European Cup
Marking territory

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Towards Madrid dominance

2 Real Madrid vs. 0 Fiorentina

Real Madrid Fiorentina

The popularity of the inaugural European Cup campaign meant the tournament field had to be increased in the second competition. The aim of all these teams was to succeed Real Madrid as the best team in the continent. But the Whites, bolstered by Raymond Kopa, once again had a dream squad.

After knocking out Rapid Vienna and Nice, Madrid were to face Manchester United, major contenders for the title, in the semi-finals. The legendary Busby Babes were convinced they could topple the champions, but the reality was different. The Whites won 3-1 at home and kept their opponents under control at Old Trafford (2-2).

Real Madrid would go on to defend their title against Fiorentina at a packed Santiago Bernabéu. The Italian champions' rock-solid defence made it a very difficult game. In the final stages, Di Stéfano, from a penalty, and Gento confirmed Madrid's superiority. The European crown stayed in the Spanish capital.

Stadium

Santiago Bernabéu

Madrid, Spain

  • Alonso

  • Lesmes

  • Marquitos

  • Torres

  • Muñoz

  • Zarraga

  • Gento

  • Rial

  • Di Stéfano

  • Mateos

  • Kopa

Referee
Leopold Sylvain Horn

125.000

spectators

Real Madrid

Alonso, Torres, Marquitos, Lesmes, Muñoz, Zárraga, Kopa, Mateos, Di Stéfano, Rial and Gento. Coach: José Villalonga.

Fiorentina

Sarti, Magnini, Orzan, Cervato, Scaramucci, Segato, Julinho, Gratton, Virgili, Montuori and Bizzarrí.

Goals

1-0 (min. 70): Di Stéfano. 2-0 (min. 76): Gento.

Stats

6
Games won
20
Goals scored
10
Goals conceded
7
Top scorer: Di Stéfano
Real Madrid Fiorentina

Trivia

In the round of 16 Real Madrid needed a replay to knock out Rapid Vienna, since at the time there was no penalty shoot-outs or double value rule for away goals. After the 4-2 victory at the Bernabéu the Austrians won 3-1 at home. In their third match Madrid won 2-0 at the Bernabéu and went through to the next round.

Alfredo Di Stéfano, with 7 goals in the competition, started to extend his lead as the top goalscorer in the European Cup. His record stood until 2007, when he was overtaken by Raúl.

After winning the European Cup, Alfredo Di Stéfano was awarded the Ballon d'Or in 1957. His team mate Raymond Kopa was third in the vote.