Page 7 - Microsoft Word - BOOK 1 edition 8 .docx

STUTTGART – CAPITAL OF EUROPEAN FOOTBALL

(Amtliches Programm des DFB – am Juni 1959)

After Paris, Madrid, and Brussels, Stuttgart is now the ‘theatre of dreams’ of

the European Champions Cup’s final. This young competition is celebrating its

fourth birthday here in Stuttgart.

Although its creation is only recent, it has already travelled a long way!

Sixteen clubs from the European elite have competed in the first cup, which

was won brilliantly by Real Madrid. The final was played in the ‘Parc des Princes’

in Paris.

The flowing year, the number of participants grew to twenty-two. Real Madrid

emerged as the winner again, in the Bernabeu. In 1957-58, the record was

beaten once more, with twenty-four teams taking part in this competition. Real

Madrid added another feather to its crown by winning at the Heysel stadium.

There are more competitors this season as twenty-eight clubs have now joined

this competition. However, Olympiakos and Manchester United had to withdraw

before the start of the tournament. The number of clubs, which are taking part

is growing each year, which shows the importance of this contest (monitored by

UEFA) when we look at the figures.

The European cup has reached heights that no one could have predicted.

This European cup has set an unprecedented date in the history of football.

From the shores of the North Sea to the Mediterranean, from the Ural to the

tip of Brittany, the evolution is noticeable.

Today, Real Madrid will meet Reims, which raises the question: Which team is

going to win the 1959 edition?

May the best team win!

Ebbe Schwartz

President of UEFA