Intercontinental Cup
The Europe v South America club final that Inter won in 1964 and 1965, beating Independiente both times.
The Intercontinental Cup, formally the European/South American Cup and branded the Toyota Cup from 1980, was a club football contest backed by UEFA and CONMEBOL. It normally set the champions of Europe against the winners of the Copa Libertadores, and it ran from 1960 to 2004 before the FIFA Club World Cup took its place. For Inter Milan it is a proud chapter: the club lifted the trophy in 1964 and again in 1965, each time against Argentine side Independiente, and became the first European team to win it in consecutive years. Since 2017 FIFA has recognised past Intercontinental Cup winners as club world champions, which places those Inter sides among the world's title holders.
Quick Facts
- Organiser
- UEFA; CONMEBOL
- Founded
- 1960
- Abolished
- 2004
- Region
- Europe and South America (1960–1979); Japan (1980–2004)
- Number of teams
- 2
- Current champions
- POR Porto (2nd title)
- Most successful club
- URU Peñarol
- URU Nacional
- ITA Milan
- ESP Real Madrid
- ARG Boca Juniors (3 titles each)
Facts from the source article.
Background
The idea surfaced in 1958, in talks between João Havelange, then head of the Brazilian FA, and French journalist Jacques Goddet. UEFA launched the competition in 1960 with CONMEBOL's backing, and UEFA president Henri Delaunay is credited as its originator. FIFA did not endorse it and in 1961 would allow it only as a private friendly. Early editions were two-legged, with a play-off when needed until 1968 and penalties afterwards. Real Madrid won the first final against Peñarol, and Santos, led by Pelé, won in 1962 and 1963, the second time after a hard fight with Milan. Inter followed with its two titles, the 1964 edition decided by a play-off at Santiago Bernabéu that Mario Corso settled in extra time.
Did You Know?
- Real Madrid beat Peñarol 5–1 in Madrid after a 0–0 draw in Montevideo to win the first edition.
- Peñarol became the first South American winners by beating Benfica in a play-off at the Estadio Centenario.
- The FIFA Club World Cup and the Intercontinental Cup both ran in 2000.
- The 1963 play-off between Santos and Milan was held at the Maracanã.
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