Trofeo Santiago Bernabéu

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Lore & Background

From 1979 to 1982, in 1984 and in 1986 it was contested by four teams, with semi-finals, third place match and final. In 1983, 1985 and since 1987 only one match between Real Madrid and an invited team was played. The 2002 tournament was a single match between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, on the special occasion of Real Madrid's centenary as the team was founded on 6 March 1902.

In Their Own Story

The floodlights hummed with a low, electric anticipation, slicing through the cool Madrid night. Deep within the stadium's bowels, silence hung heavy, broken only by the rhythmic thud of boots on concrete. Then, the roar began—a deep, rolling thunder that seemed to shake the very foundations of the stands. It wasn't just noise; it was a demand. The visiting team emerged, faces etched with reverence for the hallowed turf beneath them. As the Real Madrid captain stepped onto the pitch, the chant rose—not for a trophy won yet, but for the name above the stadium: Bernabéu. In that moment, history wasn't just remembered; it vibrated through the grass and ignited the eyes of eighty thousand believers.

Reader's Guide

In case of a draw, the winner was decided on penalties. The first edition was played among the most decorated clubs in the European Cup by 1979. The 2002 edition was played between the 4 most successful clubs in the European Cup on the occasion of Real Madrid's Centenary. The 2003 edition was the tribute to Alfredo Di Stéfano and to the 30th anniversary of the declaration of friendship between both clubs. The 2004 edition was the tribute to Hugo Sánchez. It was the first edition won by a club from outside Europe. The 2010 edition was the tribute to the 50th anniversary of the first Intercontinental Cup. The 2013 edition was the tribute to Raúl González. The 2016, 2017 and 2018 was the tribute to first, second and third editions of the European Cup.

Did You Know?

• The match between Dinamo Tbilisi and Bayern Munich was suspended in the 44th minute, by referee Pérez.
• The 2002 edition was the 100th Anniversary of Real Madrid CF 1902–2002.