Derby County F.C. in European football

History

Derby entered the Texaco Cup for the 1971–72 season. Their first opponents were Dundee United; Derby won the first leg 6–2 and progressed 8–5 on aggregate despite losing the away leg 3–2. Victories over Stoke City and Newcastle United followed, setting up a two-legged final against Airdrieonians. The first leg at Broomfield Park ended goalless, with Derby's defence described as efficient. The second leg, postponed from its original date, finished 2–1 to Derby, with goals from Roger Davies and a disputed penalty by Alan Hinton; Derek Whiteford scored for Airdrie.

Brian Clough, who had taken over the club four years earlier when it was in the Second Division, led Derby into their first major European campaign after winning the league title. In the 1972–73 European Cup, Derby recorded a 3–0 aggregate victory over S.L. Benfica, becoming only the second club after Ajax to keep a clean sheet against Benfica over two legs. Derby lost 3–1 on aggregate to Juventus in the semi-finals, amid controversy and Clough's claims against the Italian people.

Dave Mackay, who succeeded Clough in October 1973, led Derby to a third-place finish in 1973–74, qualifying for the UEFA Cup. In the second round, Derby faced Atlético Madrid and won their first penalty shootout 7–6. In the third round, Derby beat Velež 3–1 at home but lost 4–1 away and were eliminated.