Santiago Bernabéu Trophy

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 again consisted of four teams, 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 softly against the Madrid night as the crowd gathered, not for a league point or a European spot, but for memory. The air smelled of cut grass and anticipation, thick with the weight of history. As the teams walked onto the pitch, the silence was palpable; everyone knew they were treading on hallowed ground dedicated to Don Santiago. A whistle blew, echoing off the stands that he had built, and for ninety minutes, the game played out as a love letter to the past.

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.

Did You Know?

• The match between Dinamo Tbilisi and Bayern Munich in one edition was suspended in the 44th minute by referee Pes Perez.
• 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 and 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.