Thursday, June 12, 2025

The first Intercontinental Cup history

Last update 20 November, 2024 by Alberto Llopis

Who was the first winner of the Intercontinental Cup in history? when was this tournament born? The Intercontinental Cup was officially born in 1960, although the idea of ​​facing the best teams in the world had been tried previously. In the decade of 50, a tournament known as the Mundialito Clubs was held in Caracas, Venezuela, but it had no continuity. However, with the rise of European and South American football, an ambitious proposal emerged: face the champion of the European Champions Cup (actual Champions League) against the winner of the Copa Libertadores de America.

This confrontation had the objective of determining the best club in the world, granting the winner an honorary title that consecrated him as the king of football worldwide.

The first Intercontinental Cup history: Real Madrid vs. Penarol (1960)

The first Intercontinental Cup faced the powerful Real Madrid of legends like Alfredo Di Stefano, Ferenc Puskás y Paco Gento, against the historical Penarol from Montevideo. Real Madrid arrived as five-time European champion, a team that dominated football on the old continent, while Peñarol represented the pride of South America.

The first leg: Montevideo, Centenario stadium

The first duel was played on 3 July 1960 in the mythical Centenario stadium, to more than 70.000 spectators. The match ended with a goalless draw. (0-0), leaving the series completely open for the return match in Madrid.

Primera Copa Intercontinental
The Centenario Stadium is the first venue to host a soccer World Cup. Also the first Intercontinental Cup

Then, crossing the ocean to play a game was a logistical feat. The technological conditions and long journeys added an epic touch to the competition, turning each confrontation into a unique event.

The return match: Madrid, Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

The final match was played in a Santiago Bernabéu crowded, where Real Madrid gave a football lesson with a resounding victory by 5-1. The goals were the work of:

  • Ferenc Puskás (2)
  • Alfredo Di Stefano
  • Luis del Sol
  • Paco Gento

Real Madrid won the title best team in the world, establishing himself as a legend of world football. This triumph, along with his multiple successes at an international level, was one of the reasons that led FIFA to recognize him as the best club of the 20th century.

Primera Intercontinental de la historia
Di Stéfano in the match against Peñarol played at the Bernabeu.

Why was the Intercontinental Cup a tournament that was so popular??

The Intercontinental Cup, one of the most emblematic competitions in international football, It was remembered as a unique tournament that marked the history of the beautiful sport.. For decades, this competition, contested mostly in Tokyo, faced the best teams from Europe and South America, the two most important football continents on the planet.

The Intercontinental Cup not only pitted the best teams against each other, but also offered duels between the biggest soccer stars. During years, Tokyo became the epicenter of world football, hosting iconic teams such as AC Milan, he Boca Juniors, he Santos of Pelé or the Manchester United.

Although it was replaced in 2005 for him Club World Cup, which includes representatives from all continents, The Intercontinental Cup continues to be remembered as a unique tournament that marked a golden era in football.

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