1972 Cup Winners' Cup Final

Lore & Background

Both teams had to go through four qualifying rounds to reach the final. Rangers won three of their four qualifying ties in regulation time, with their second round tie against Sporting CP going into extra time. Dynamo was required to win a penalty shootout to beat Dynamo Berlin in their semi-final. The final was the Rangers' third in European competition, having lost the previous two in 1961 and 1967. This was the first time a Soviet team had reached a European final. Rangers scored two goals before half time and added a third minutes into the second half. Dynamo pulled a goal back midway through the second half and scored a late second towards the end of the game. The match finished 3–2 to Rangers. The end of the match was overshadowed by a pitch invasion just before full time. The fans were cleared so the final minute of the match could be played. Fans made their way back onto the pitch once the final whistle had been blown, causing Rangers captain John Greig having to be awarded the trophy inside the stadium buildings. Despite the off-field violence the victory is considered to be the greatest in the club's history and the team was given the nickname the Barcelona Bears.

In Their Own Story

Hampden’s floodlights cut through the Glasgow drizzle, illuminating a pitch churned to mud. Peter Latchford saw only the ball screaming toward the top corner; his diving hand stretched just inches further than the Soviet striker's boot, parrying it onto the crossbar. As he scrambled back to his feet, gasping for air in the extra-time haze, he knew the game had shifted. Moments later, the ball found its way to Alfie Conn Jr., and as it hit the net, the stadium erupted into a sea of blue, sealing a night where resilience outshone reputation.

Reader's Guide

Rangers began their route to the final by beating Stade Rennes 2–1 on aggregate. The second round saw Rangers play Sporting CP from Portugal. After a bizarre incident where the referee failed to recognize the away goals rule, Rangers advanced. Rangers then played Torino and won 2–1 on aggregate. In the semi-final Rangers played Bayern Munich and progressed 3–1 on aggregate. Dynamo Moscow began their campaign by defeating Olympiakos 3–2 on aggregate, then beat Eskişehirspor 3–0, then Red Star 3–1 on aggregate, and in the semi-final beat Dynamo Berlin on penalties. In the final, Rangers employed an attacking line up and had a two-goal lead by half time. The first was scored by Colin Stein with the assist provided by Dave Smith. The second was scored by Willie Johnston after he headed in a Dave Smith pass. Rangers went 3–0 up minutes into the second half as Willie Johnston scored his second after a long kick out by goalkeeper Peter McCloy. Dynamo Moscow came back into the match when Eshtrekov scored after a defensive mistake. Moscow found their second with three minutes left with a goal from Makhovikov. Rangers held on to secure their only trophy in Europe.

Did You Know?

• Rangers manager Willie Waddell successfully appealed to UEFA after the referee failed to apply the away goals rule in the second round against Sporting CP.
• Rangers captain John Greig grew a beard as a good luck omen and vowed not to shave it until Rangers were eliminated from the competition.
• The victory is considered the greatest in Rangers' history and the team was nicknamed the Barcelona Bears.
• Dynamo Moscow were the first Soviet team to reach a European final.