Luxembourg.If there is anything to say, it must be that most of the 12-strong league was equal and generally fighting to avoid relegation: all clubs bellow 3rd place were involved in that – at the end 5 points divided the 4th, Etzella (Ettelbruck) from the last two.
Stade Dudelange finished last with 18 points.
Spora (Luxembourg) was 11th, also with 18 points. Both clubs, but especially Spora, knew better days, but past is past and now it was going down to second division. They missed survival by a point. Spora ended with very curious record: they had positive goal-difference – 49-47 – something not even unusual, but unique for a relegated club (only the top three clubs had positive goal-difference!), and their attack was the third strongest in the league.
The Second Division was won by clubs who were not strangers to top level football:
Aris (Bonnevoie), normally playing in the first division, and
Young Boys (Diekirch), a club which had livelier presence before the Second World War, but after that faded away. To a point, a surprise climb up and may be not long lasting.
Up the table there was little excitement – two clubs competed for the silver medals – Red Boys (Differdange) lost the race by a point, settling for bronze with 25 points.
The best known internationally club, Jeunesse (Esch/Alzette) clinched silver medals with 26 points and the country’s spot in the UEFA Cup, but that was the maximum this season – Jeunesse was not a contender.
A sole club dominated the championship from start to end. They won 13 matches, tied 6, and lost 3 – the best league record by far. Their goal-difference was also best: 55-33, outscoring everybody else, and having second-best defensive record. Overwhelming champions with no equals.
Progres (Niedercorn) – true to their name and confidently winning… their second title. The first one was won long time ago – in 1952-53 – so one can imagine the joy.
Outside Luxembourg the names meant plain nothing, but at home it was another matter: Progres reached also the Cup final. There they met Union (Luxembourg).
Union had measly season – they ended 6th in the championship, quite low for one of the usual title contenders, hence, the desire to compensate for the lost season was big. And may be they were seen as favourites – traditionally, stronger club than their opponents. But it was not to be… Union scored a goal, but Progres responded with two and won the final.
Empty-handed this year – Union or US Luxembourg, as they are also frequently called, were still to play in Europe: as losing cup finalist, they were to represent the country in the Cup Winners Cup. Small consolation…
Progres receiving the Cup – it was their 4th. Previously, they won it in 1932-33, 1944-45, and 1976-77. Two consecutive cups – a rare achievement anywhere.
Surely, Progres enjoyed strong period, but in fact this was their finest moment ever: a double, their first and their last. The Cup they never won again, so it is only right to say that this squad is the best ever the club had. A legendary team on its own right.