CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions (1993)

Lore & Background

The match was the second edition of the competition, which had been created in 1985 as the European/South American Nations Cup. The 1993 edition was the last before the competition was discontinued, later relaunched as the Finalissima in 2022.

In Their Own Story

The air in Buenos Aires was thick with humidity and anticipation on that August evening. The Monumental roared as Diego Maradona, the heartbeat of the squad, manipulated the French midfield before finding space for Gabriel Batistuta. Silence fell over the stadium for a heartbeat, then erupted as Batistuta converted from the edge of the area. The net rippled, and the stadium exploded into a sea of white and sky blue. It was not just a goal; it was a statement that in 1993, South America still ruled the world.

Reader's Guide

Argentina won the 1993 Artemio Franchi Cup by defeating Denmark on penalties. The match ended 1–1 after extra time, and Argentina prevailed 5–4 in the shootout.

Did You Know?

• The 1993 match was the second and final edition of the original Artemio Franchi Cup before it was discontinued.
• Argentina hosted the match at the Estadio José María Minella in Mar del Plata.
• The competition was the national team equivalent of the defunct Intercontinental Cup between club champions of Europe and South America.