The death last week of Spanish footballing legend Francisco Gento at the age of 88, would no doubt stir the memories of Kilmarnock fans of a certain vintage.
For the majestic record-breaking winger once graced Rugby Park when Ayrshire’s top team played Real Madrid in the European Cup, now known as the Champions League.
After recording a 1-0 aggregate win over Albanian side Nentori, Killie were drawn to play the mighty Real in the next round, the first match taking place at Rugby Park on November 17, 1965.
The pre-match entertainment was provided by the Band of the Royal Marines and Glasgow Police Pipe Band, but the 24,325 spectators had come to see the star-studded Spanish giants with superstars such as Jose Santamaria, Amacio Amaro, Ferenc Puskas and Gento in their line-up.
Real’s pedigree was incredible, with a trophy cabinet the envy of the rest of Europe.
Only two years earlier they had defeated Rangers 7-0 on aggregate in a European Cup tie, so Killie were under no illusions at just how difficult this tie would be.
The home fans could hardly believe their eyes when Brien McIlroy had the ball in the Real net early on, but it was ruled offside by the West German referee.
But they did have something to cheer about on 20 minutes when 18-year-old Tommy McLean netted a penalty after Jackie McInally had been fouled in the box.
Within four minutes the talented Puskas had set up Jose Martinez for the equaliser.
Appeals for another penalty when Ignacio Zoco impeded McInally were waved aside, and then in the early part of the second half Gento crossed for Amancio to score.
Killie were far from done however, and they shocked the visitors with a goal to make it 2-2 when McInally headed in Ronnie Hamilton’s cross.
No wonder the supporters were on their feet at the end to acclaim a tremendous result against the Spanish giants.
Two weeks later in the Bernabeau stadium, Killie shocked the hosts when McIlroy gave his side a 27th minute lead, but two goals from the home side in the next four minutes put Real in front.
Gento added another for Madrid, and then Killie scorned an opportunity to score again when McLean missed a penalty – the first time he’d missed one in his fledgling football career.
The home side netted again in the remaining period to rack up a 7-3 aggregate win, but what a campaign it had been for the Ayrshire side.
That season Real went on to win the European Cup – the sixth time they had won the trophy – beating Anderlecht, Inter Milan and Partizan Belgrade on the way.
That victory meant that Gento had won a record six European Cups between 1955 and 1966, a beaten finalist on another two occasions. He was the only Madrid player to feature in all of the wins.
Killie’s fortunes may have slipped somewhat in the years between 1965 and now, but the memories of watching Gento and his famous footballing teammates will remain with those supporters who were lucky enough to be at Rugby Park on a very memorable evening.
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