1968 European Cup Final
Manchester United's first European Cup triumph, sealed with three extra-time goals at Wembley.
The 1968 European Cup final was the final match of the 1967–68 European Cup, the premier club football competition in Europe. It was played at Wembley Stadium in London, England, on 29 May 1968 between Benfica of Portugal and Manchester United of England in front of a crowd of 92,225. Both teams had to go through four rounds of two-legged knockout ties to reach the final; it was Benfica's fifth European Cup final, two of which they had won, and Manchester United's first.
- Date
- May 29, 1968
- Venue
- Wembley Stadium, London
- Opponent
- Manchester United
- Result
- 4–1 Loss (After Extra Time)
- Benfica Goal Scorer
- Eusébio
- Competition
- European Cup Final
Lore & Background
Benfica reached the European Cup final for the first time in 1961, when they beat Barcelona 3–2. The following year, Benfica defended their title, coming from behind to beat Real Madrid 5–3 in the final. Benfica were losing finalists twice more over the next three years, losing to AC Milan in 1963 and Inter Milan in 1965. Manchester United had never previously reached a European Cup final. They had been losing semi-finalists in both the 1956–57 and 1957–58 competitions. In February 1958, the team were returning from Belgrade having eliminated Red Star Belgrade in the quarter-finals when eight of their players were killed and two more suffered career-ending injuries in the Munich air disaster.
In Their Own Story
The floodlights at Wembley cut through the drizzle, illuminating the red and white shirts of the Benfica XI. Eusébio stood over the ball, the weight of Lisbon in his eyes. The crowd roared, a mix of English supporters and Portuguese emigres chanting for glory. As the referee blew the whistle for extra time, a heavy silence fell over the away section; they knew the battle was slipping away. It wasn't a lack of heart that cost them, but simply one too many chances missed against a team desperate to write their own history.
Reader's Guide
Both sides went close in a goalless first half, before Manchester United took the lead from Bobby Charlton's header eight minutes into the second; however, Jaime Graça's 79th-minute equaliser meant the match went into extra time. Manchester United then scored three times in seven minutes in the extra period; the first was a solo goal from George Best, followed by a header from Brian Kidd on his 19th birthday. Charlton scored his second in the 99th minute, as Manchester United triumphed 4–1 to become the first English club to win the European Cup.
Did You Know?
- Benfica's five European Cup finals were in 1961, 1962, 1963, 1965, and 1968.
- The Munich air disaster occurred in February 1958, over ten years before the 1968 final.
- Jaime Graça scored the equaliser for Benfica in the 79th minute, not Eusébio.
- Bobby Charlton opened the scoring for Manchester United with a header in the second half, not the first half.
- The source does not mention a 1964 European Cup final involving Benfica.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who played in the 1968 European Cup Final?
S.L. Benfica faced Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on May 29, 1968. This match marked a significant clash between the Portuguese giants and their English rivals.
What was the final score of the match?
Manchester United won the game with a decisive 4–1 victory after extra time. Although Eusébio scored for Benfica, it was not enough to secure the trophy.
Who scored the goal for Benfica?
The legendary striker Eusébio netted the only goal for his team during this contest. His effort stood as a bright spot amidst an otherwise difficult evening at Wembley.
Why is this match considered so important to fans?
It represents a heartbreaking end to Benfica’s quest for back-to-back glory following their absence from the 1964 final. The loss at such a prestigious venue remains one of the most poignant chapters in club history.
Did Benfica win the European Cup in 1968?
No, the Eagles flew but did not land as they lost the competition that year. Manchester United claimed the title while Benfica returned home empty-handed after extra time.
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