Manchester United once ignored the FA's opposition to participate in the Champions League, and was eliminated by Real Madrid in the semi-final with a score of 1:3 (guest) 2:2 (main). Although eliminated, it won the friendship and respect of Real Madrid. 1957, Real Madrid 1 1 the average age of starters is 28 years old, while Manchester United 1 1 the average age of starters is only 2 1 year old. There is every reason to believe that Manchester United can overthrow the dynasty of Real Madrid.
But then, there was a Munich air crash. This is the darkest moment in football history. In the face of disaster, Real Madrid extended a helping hand.
The day after the air crash, on behalf of Real Madrid, Mr. Bernabeu, together with Red Star Belgrade, proposed to award the European Champions Cup to Manchester United. In the initiative, Bernabeu emphasized the support of all Real Madrid players. Although this move was too shocking to pass, when Real Madrid finally won the championship, they brought the trophy to Manchester and shared the highest honor in Europe with Manchester United.
In order to help Manchester United tide over the difficulties, Mr. Bernabeu even persuaded Stefano, the best player in Europe at that time, to lend it to Manchester United 1958-59 season, and promised to pay him half of his salary during this period to cater to the FA's salary cap policy. Unfortunately, the deal was finally blocked by the FA's stipulation that foreign players must be able to speak English.
Besides, Mr. Bernabeu did a lot. In Busby's memoirs, he mentioned that the Bernabeu had proposed to invite all Manchester United players to Spain for a holiday with his own money to heal his wounds. At the same time, Mr. Bernabeu specially made a silk tapestry named "Honorary Champion" for charity auction to commemorate the victims of the air crash.
What is even more unforgettable is that at the beginning of next season, people are surprised to find that Manchester United, which ranked only ninth in League One last season, appeared in the first round of the Champions League as a special case and won the Berne youth team in the first round. This is the only time that a non-champion or substitute champion team entered the Champions League before the Champions League reform. This unprecedented situation can even be said to be a departure from the original intention of the Champions League. But for Mr. Bernabeu, one of the founders of the Champions League, who undoubtedly contributed to this situation, no one deserves the Champions League of 1958/ 1959 more than Manchester United.
In the process of Manchester United's recovery, the precarious financial situation always threatens the survival of the team. Busby had to dial the phone of his old friend in Madrid. Matthew busby's son Sandy Busby vividly recalled the phone call afterwards. When Busby sincerely expressed his wish to invite Real Madrid to have a fundraising friendly match, Mr. Bernabeu hurriedly called his secretary and directly gave the order to arrange the schedule. When Busby carefully asked about the invitation fee, Bernabeu simply said, "Pay what you can afford.".
After the friendly match, the Bernabeu invited all Manchester United members and the families of the victims. During the dinner, he said affectionately, "Busby is not only the bravest, but also the greatest football player I know."
It was the best time for Manchester United, the worst time for Manchester United, the most glorious time for Real Madrid, and the most lonely time for Real Madrid. European football in the 1950s will always remember the names of Real Madrid and Manchester United, their confrontation, their glory, their sadness and their friendship. Kings and challengers; Superstars and new stars; You are indomitable in the world; Friendly and strong. At the peak of glory and the bottom of ruins, Bernabeu and Busby, two pioneers in Appreciating each other, practiced their firm hopes in each other's eyes four years ago in different ways and jointly wrote the origin of European football.
1960 May 18, Hampton Park Stadium, Glasgow, Real Madrid entered the European Champions Cup final for the fifth time in a row. This game is called "the final of all finals" by later generations. In the stands, a 18-year-old Scottish boy has long been infatuated, and Real Madrid's invincible offensive partner and wide-ranging offensive style left an indelible impression on him. He is Alex Ferguson, the future coach of Manchester United. After 39 years, he led his team to the top of Europe.
On April 24th, 1968, Manchester United met Real Madrid in the semi-final of the Champions League. Manchester United home 1-0. Before the game, Bart Busby walked around the Bernabeu Stadium, took off his hat and thanked Real Madrid for their support to Manchester United in the air crash. Real Madrid, which was packed, gave warm applause to the old man who had finished three last prayers and still looked good. In the end, Manchester United equalized the score and reversed the promotion when 1:3 fell behind.
"If we have to be defeated, then I'm glad they beat us." ("If it has to be any one, then I'm glad it's them." ) Mr. Bernabeu left such a passage after the game.
The interweaving of Bernabeu and Busby lit up that era. These are two great people, and this is a great era.
In 2000, FIFA selected the greatest club in the 20th century to welcome the arrival of the 2 1 century, with Real Madrid ranked first and Manchester United ranked second.
Attachment: List of victims of Munich air crash
Roger bowen, 29 years old, captain.
Tommy taylor, 26, is a prolific shooter.
Eddie Coleman, 2 1 year old, the youngest victim.
Mark jones, 25, is the main midfielder.
David pegg, 23, is an off-court genius.
Geoff Bent, 26, defender.
Billy Whelan, 22, is an inside forward.
Duncan edwards, 22, is recognized as a genius.