The Cup final opposed the arch-rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona. Real seemingly had the edge, given their dominant season, but predictions about such a derby are just for laughs: no matter what, the arch-enemies clash heavily, so much pride and hatred is involved, that the outcome could destroy any ‘obvious’ expectations. Barcelona was not in great shape yet, but it had Johann Cruijff as a coach, who was determined to to build great team – still not ready, but taking shape. And his team won 2-0 – the great scorers Real had were left with plain 0 goals! Barcelona triumphed.
Real Madrid was prevented from winning a double this season. Standing from left: Miguel Porlán »Chendo«, Francisco Buyo, José Miguel González »Michel«, Bernd Schuster, Óscar Ruggeri, Fernando Hierro; Front: Rafael Gordillo, Emilio Butragueño, Hugo Sánchez, Manuel Sanchís, Rafael Martín Vázquez.
Some irony or misfortune for Bernd Schuster: many a time Real prevented him with lifting a trophy when he played for Barcelona, now Barcelona prevented him from the winning the Cup with Real.
Barcelona won its 22nd Cup and it was a sweet victory over the most hated enemy. The season finished with a trophy in their hands, which was fine, but the most important thing was that Cruijff showed he was leading the team in the right way: he came back to win and he delivered, thus securing his position and getting time to work out his ideas and to build the squad he wanted. The victory gave him comfort with the fans – their old beloved hero remained a hero, they could trust him, and with the president Nunez too, for patience is always short in clubs like Barcelona – they demand immediate success. For real success Cruijff needed still some time and some new players. To a point, winning the Cup gave him the opportunity to make the team he wanted and thus Barcelona to achieve great and lasting real success, to climb above Real Madrid.
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