Javier Irureta

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Irureta was born in Irun, Gipuzkoa, making his senior debut for local Real Unión in 1965. Two years later he helped them reach the second division play-offs, before joining Atlético Madrid later that year. During his time at the club he was part of a team that won two La Liga titles (1969–70, 1972–73) and a Copa del Rey (1971–72). The Colchoneros also reached the European Cup final in 1974, but after the winners, Bayern Munich, declined to participate in the Intercontinental Cup, they were invited as runners-up: facing Independiente of Argentina the side won 2–1 on aggregate, with Irureta scoring one of the goals in the 2–0 second-leg home victory. After eight seasons at Atlético, Irureta returned to the Basque Country and signed for Athletic Bilbao.

In Their Own Story

The second leg of the 1974 Intercontinental Cup at the Vicente Calderón. Atlético Madrid, having lost the European Cup final to Bayern Munich, found themselves facing Independiente of Argentina as runners-up. The tie was level after a 1–0 defeat in Avellaneda. On a tense night in Madrid, Irureta stepped up. His goal helped secure a 2–0 victory, giving Atlético a 2–1 aggregate win and the World Club Cup. It was a moment of personal glory for the Basque midfielder, a highlight in a career that also saw him win six caps for Spain in a three-year span, his debut coming on 23 May 1972 in a 2–0 friendly win with Uruguay in Madrid.

Reader's Guide

As an attacking midfielder, he was part of a golden generation that included Adelardo, Luis Aragonés and José Eulogio Gárate. Together they won La Liga in 1969–70 and 1972–73, and the Copa del Generalísimo in 1971–72. The 1973–74 season saw them reach the European Cup final, losing to Bayern Munich. However, when Bayern declined to play the Intercontinental Cup, Atlético went as runners-up. Irureta scored in the 2–0 second-leg home victory over Independiente, securing the trophy 2–1 on aggregate. After eight seasons and those honours, he returned to the Basque Country to sign for Athletic Bilbao, where he would later add two runners-up medals in 1977 – Spanish and UEFA Cups.

Did You Know?

• Irureta scored one of the goals in the 2–0 second-leg home victory over Independiente that won Atlético Madrid the 1974 Intercontinental Cup.
• He played alongside Adelardo, Luis Aragonés and José Eulogio Gárate at Atlético Madrid.
• His senior debut was for local club Real Unión in 1965, two years before joining Atlético Madrid.
• He won six caps for Spain in a three-year span, with his debut coming on 23 May 1972 in a 2–0 friendly win with Uruguay in Madrid.
• After eight seasons at Atlético, he signed for Athletic Bilbao and later won two runners-up medals in 1977 – Spanish and UEFA Cups.