Wednesday, May 23, 2007
First British clubs to play in the European Cup
The first British club to play in the European Cup was Hibernian, who reached the semi-finals in 1955.
The first English side to play in the tournament were Manchester United, with Matt Busby telling the Football League where to stick the pressure that had led to Chelsea opting out of the tournament the year before.
In their first tie they disposed of Belgian champs Anderlecht by a massive 12-0. But, like Hibs before them, their first punt in Europe saw them bow out in the semis, when the unstoppable Real Madrid of Puskas and Di Stefano beat them by five goals to three.
The first English side to play in the tournament were Manchester United, with Matt Busby telling the Football League where to stick the pressure that had led to Chelsea opting out of the tournament the year before.
In their first tie they disposed of Belgian champs Anderlecht by a massive 12-0. But, like Hibs before them, their first punt in Europe saw them bow out in the semis, when the unstoppable Real Madrid of Puskas and Di Stefano beat them by five goals to three.
