1964-65 European Cup Semi-Final vs Inter Milan
One of only two Italian clubs never relegated from Serie A for sporting reasons.
Inter Milan is an Italian professional football club based in Milan, Lombardy. It was founded on 9 March 1908 after a split within the Milan Foot-Ball and Cricket Club (now AC Milan). The club has won three European Cup/Champions League titles, with its latest win in 2010.
- Key Player
- Lothar Schämer (defensive stalwart) or Erwin Stein (forward)
Lore & Background
Inter is one of only two Italian clubs to have an unbroken presence in the top division of Italian football since its debut in 1909 (alongside Juventus). The club has won 39 domestic trophies, including 21 league titles. From 2006 to 2010, Inter won five successive league titles, equaling the all-time record at that time. The 2010 season also saw Inter complete an unprecedented Italian seasonal treble, winning the Champions League, Serie A, and Coppa Italia.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Waldstadion was thick with anticipation and the smell of damp grass. Thousands of fans in red and white chanted for their team to defy the odds against the Italian giants. Every tackle felt heavier, every pass more critical. As the referee blew the final whistle, the silence that fell over the home end was heavy, not just with disappointment, but with a profound sense of pride; they had stood toe-to-toe with the best in the world and left everything on the pitch.
Reader's Guide
Inter has shared the San Siro stadium with AC Milan since 1947. The club has the highest home game attendance in Italy and the fourth-highest attendance in Europe. Since May 2024, the club has been owned by American asset management company Oaktree Capital Management.
Did You Know?
- Inter's name derives from the wish of its founding members to accept foreign players as well as Italians.
- Giuseppe Meazza, after whom the San Siro stadium is officially named, is the greatest scorer in Inter history with 284 goals.
- Inter won its first championship in 1910 and its second in 1920.
- The club's 1960s team, known as Grande Inter, won three Serie A titles, two European Cups, and two Intercontinental Cups in a row.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final outcome of the semi-final tie?
Inter Milan secured their place in the final by winning both legs against Eintracht Frankfurt. The Eagles were eliminated after a tough campaign against the defending champions.
Who were the key players for Eintracht Frankfurt during this match?
Defensive stalwart Lothar Schämer and forward Erwin Stein provided crucial leadership on the pitch. Their performances highlighted the team's spirit even in defeat.
Why was Inter Milan known as 'Grande Inter' at that time?
Under manager Helenio Herrera, they dominated European football with a tactical machine style of play. They had recently won two consecutive European Cups before facing Frankfurt.
How does this semi-final compare to the club's 1960 European Cup run?
This tie represented the Eagles' second deepest continental run after their appearance in the 1960 final. It proved they could compete with Europe's elite despite being underdogs on paper.
Where were the two legs of this semi-final played?
The first match took place at the San Siro in Milan, while the return leg was hosted by Frankfurt at their home ground. Both venues saw intense tactical battles between the sides.
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