Antonio Maceda


Antonio Maceda Francés is a Spanish former professional footballer. Though a central defender, he was known for his scoring ability.
He started his career at Sporting [de Gijón] and finished it with Real Madrid, where he was greatly hampered by injuries.
Maceda played 36 times with Spain, and represented the nation at two World Cups and Euro 1984.

Club career

Maceda was born in Sagunto, Province of Valencia, and played for Sporting de Gijón and Real Madrid during his career. In his third professional year, he contributed 11 matches to the Asturians final runner-up position in La Liga, and became a defensive stalwart subsequently.
In summer 1985, after scoring nine league goals over his last two seasons, Maceda earned himself a transfer to giants Real Madrid, and netted five times in his debut campaign, claiming a double of league and UEFA Cup. However, following a freak injury with the national side, he was forced to retire in 1988 at only 31, amassing Spanish top-flight totals of 223 games and 24 goals.
Maceda worked as a radio commentator afterwards, then took up coaching, most notably with his first club, being one of four managers in 1997–98 as Sporting finished last with an all-time low 13 points; he was also in charge of the main squad for the vast majority of the 2002–03 [Segunda División|2002–03 season], in the Segunda División.

International career

Maceda earned 36 caps and scored eight goals for the Spain national team, taking part in three major tournaments: the 1982 [FIFA World Cup], UEFA Euro 1984 and the 1986 World Cup.
In Euro 84, played in France, Maceda headed a winner in the 89th minute against a then-invincible West [Germany national football team|West Germany] side who were also the defending European champions, sending the country to the semi-finals against an up-and-coming Denmark – where he also scored – in an eventual penalty shootout victory. He missed the Euro 1984 final|2–0 final loss] to France due to suspension.
Maceda retired from the international scene after the 1986 World Cup, due to a serious injury. He had made his debut on 25 March 1981 in a friendly 2–1 win over England, the first time Spain achieved this at Wembley Stadium.

Honours

Real Madrid
Spain