1958 European Cup final
The 1958 European Cup final was a football match played at the King [Baudouin Stadium|Heysel Stadium] in Brussels, Belgium on 28 May 1958 as the conclusion to the 1957–58 European Cup.
The match was contested by two-time defending champions Real Madrid of Spain, the only previous team to win the competition, and AC Milan of Italy.
Despite twice being behind during the match, Real Madrid came from behind to win 3–2 after extra time as they successfully defended their title to lift the trophy for the third consecutive year.
After the match, the Real Madrid players were presented with their winners' medals by King Albert II of Belgium.
Background
had won the first two editions of the European Cup, defeating Stade de Reims 4–3 in the inaguaral season in European Cup final|1956] and Fiorentina 2–0 in 1957.AC Milan had only played in the European Cup once previously, reaching the semi-finals in the inaugural season where they were defeated 5–4 on aggregate by Real Madrid.
Route to the final
Real Madrid
Real Madrid qualified for the competition as defending champions and they were given a bye in the preliminary round.In the first round, Real Madrid defeated Royal Antwerp of Belgium 2–1 away in the first leg and 6–0 at home in the second leg to advance 8–1 on aggregate.
Real Madrid then faced Sevilla of Spain in the quarter-finals. Real Madrid won the first leg at home 8–0 before the teams played out a 2–2 draw in the second leg in Seville as Real Madrid advanced 10–2 on aggregate.
In the semi-finals, Real Madrid faced Vasas of Hungary. After winning the first leg 4–0 at home, Real Madrid lost the second leg 2–0 away but advanced to the final 4–2 on aggregate.
Milan
Milan qualified for the competition as winners of the 1956–57 Serie A.In the preliminary round, Milan faced Rapid Wien of Austria. After winning the first leg 4–1 at home, Milan lost the second leg 5–2 in Vienna which resulted in a tie, 6–6 on aggregate. As a result, a replay was held at a neutral venue in Zurich, Switzerland which Milan won 4–2 to advance.
Milan then played Rangers of Scotland in the first round. Milan won the first leg 4–1 away and the second leg 2–0 at home to advance 6–1 on aggregate.
Borussia Dortmund of Germany were Milan's opponents in the quarter-finals. After drawing the first leg 1–1 away, Milan won the second leg 4–1 at home to advance 5–2 on aggregate.
In the semi-finals, Milan played Manchester [United F.C.|Manchester United] of England. After losing the first leg 2–1 away, Milan won the second leg 4–0 at home to advance to the final 5–2 on aggregate.