The UEFA Champions League 1986/87 is revered for its thrilling season packed with drama of the highest order and unforgettable incidents. Some of Europe’s finest clubs clashed with one another in this version of the tournament, where breathtaking individual performances and intense rivalries took center stage
Tournament Format, UEFA Champions League 1986/87
The UEFA Champions League 1986/87 edition of the UEFA Champions League, still played under the old “European Cup” title was a total knock-out contest of 32 teams. The tournament started with the series of Qualifiers then came the 1st round, which was followed by the QF (Quarter Finals), SFs (Semi-Finals), and the finale. It was played over 16 legs with the winners on aggregate after both matches went through.
Memorable games from the UEFA Champions League 1986/87
Porto vs. FC Schalke 04
The clash between Porto and FC Schalke 04 was one of the standout matches in the first round. Porto shocked many with a 3-0 win in the first leg held in Gelsenkirchen. Goals from Madjer and a pair of Gomes strikes illustrated Porto’s attacking prowess. The subsequent return leg in Porto went Sevilla’s way by way of a 2-1 victory, and the 5-1 aggregate scoreline sent them through to the quarterfinals.
Real Madrid vs. FC Bruges
One of the title candidates Real Madrid kicked off against FC Bruges. Real Madrid 2-0 Legia: Emilio Butragueño and Hugo Sánchez bagged goals in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu. In the return leg in Belgium, it was harder going as Bruges battled to a 1-1 draw with Real Madrid registering an overall 3-1 success for the visitors.
Quarter-Finals, UEFA Champions League 1986/87
Porto — Mönchengladbach
Week 6: And the quarter-finals saw Porto carry on where they left off. onViewCreated through Adobe After Effects Porto won the first game 2-0 in Portugal thanks to goals from Gomes and Madjer. Porto drew Porto 1-1 in the more difficult reverse leg in Germany but still won 3-1 on aggregate.
Real Madrid vs. Dynamo Kyiv
In the quarter-finals, Real Madrid took on Dynamo Kyiv in what was expected to be a tightly run affair. Real were 1-0 winners in a hard-fought first leg in Madrid, with Butragueño again on the scoresheet late on. But in Kyiv the second leg was much tougher and Dynamo managed to draw 1-1. But Real Madrid progressed to a 2-1 aggregate second-leg win and remain on course for the cup.
Semi-Finals, UEFA Champions League 1986/87
Porto vs. Bayern Munich
The semi-finals saw Porto face Bayern Munich, and it turned into an arm wrestle. Bayern secured a 2-1 win in Munich in the first leg thanks to goals from Klaus Augenthaler and Lothar Matthäus. However, that was far from the end of Porto. The return leg was stunning, however, with Porto taking a 3-1 victory and Madjer scoring what is still considered as one of the greatest goals in European Cup finals. However, that turnaround saw Porto through on away goals after a final aggregate score of 4-3 and continued their improbable run in the competition.
Real Madrid vs. Ajax
The semi-final between Real Madrid and Ajax was a match with great history. In the initial leg in Amsterdam, goals by Sánchez and Butragueño earned them a 3–3 draw. Real Madrid went into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu with the score at 0-1 and won this 2-1 but only just, thanks to a Butragueño goal and another in injury time from Sánchez. Real Madrid advanced to the final with a 5-4 aggregate win.
EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL: Porto – Real Madrid
Porto: The final on 27 May at the Prater Stadium in ViennaBelgian referee Lionel Droc is replaced by Eduardo Guruceta Muro, of SpainFinal between two giants… eminent clash against Real Madrid Both sides were hell-bent on lifting the highly-coveted trophy, only for Porto to win it and a thrilling game.
The match started on a high note with both teams looking to make an early impact. Madjer with a humiliating back-heeled equalizer set alight the Porto support at the Mestalla 13 minutes from time. After his goal, Porto went on to win the match 2-1 thanks to a late strike from Jorge Costa.
For the first time in their history, Porto won the European Cup and their journey to get there was loved by football fans worldwide. Manager Sir Bobby Robson had to will Porto into the team they became a power in European football.
Key Players of the Season
Three players were the stars of the UEFA Champions League 1986/87 League season and fans were astounded when they made their marks.
Rabah Madjer
Rabah Madjer: Was no doubt one of the stars of the tournament. The Algerian is blessed with skill and creativity, providing goals from the wings resulting in him being influential for Porto. Both remain legends on and off the pitch, with Zidane joining Real where his iconic back-heel goal in the final is still considered one of the most famous moments in Champions League history.
Fernando Gomes
Porto striker Fernando Gomes scored for fun in this tournament. He netted several goals in that success and earned his renown as one of the continent’s premier frontmen at the time.
Emilio Butragueño
Emilio Butragueño from Real Madrid with his goals and assists also had a big part to play in their championships campaign. His pizzazz and ability to go forward are a crowd favorite and he was an important player in the tournament.
UEFA Champions League 1986/87 Season
The UEFA Champions League 1986/87 season holds a place in history for many reasons. The victory of Porto marked a watershed for the club and was evidence that continental football was getting increasingly competitive. The success was a reflection of the ability and intelligence of the team who won, fuelling hope from others – both aspiring footballers and clubs alike.
The season also underlined the UEFA Champions League 1986/87 status as the leading club competition on the global stage. The enthralling contest coupled with impressive displays within the tournament only consolidated its presence on the world football map.
Conclusion
The UEFA Champions League 1986/87 SEASON will be remembered for a long time to come, as some of the most iconic footballers in history took part, with tests of skill and thrilling contests keeping football lovers entertained throughout. Everything from Porto’s amazing fairytale run to the final and Real Madrid’s domineering performance across the competition, this season brought out the best in European football.
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