The evening's marquee matchup undoubtedly features Benfica versus Real Madrid, a clash amplified by the absurd, Keith Houchen-channeling antics of Anatoliy Trubin. Yet, it's low-level astonishing that these two storied clubs, steeped in golden-age European Cup lore—having won the first seven stagings between them—had only met twice before last month's encounter.
A Historic Rivalry Revisited
Benfica triumphed in the 1962 final with a 5-3 victory, then eliminated Real Madrid in the 1964-65 quarter-finals with a 6-3 aggregate score, winning 5-1 at home and losing 1-2 away. Legendary forward Eusébio was instrumental, netting five goals across those three historic matches.
Dominance on the European Stage
Overall, Benfica have secured three wins and one loss against Real Madrid, boasting an impressive aggregate tally of 15-8. It's rare to see Real Madrid so thoroughly outplayed on the European scene, with their trousers metaphorically handed back freshly pressed and laundered. While not quite matching Dundee United's side-splitting competitive hex over Barcelona—four wins in four meetings—Benfica's record remains a significant footnote in football history.
This rivalry underscores the unpredictable nature of European competitions, where past glories and surprising outcomes continue to captivate fans worldwide.
