Pranav Nair
Manchester United faced Real Madrid in the first game under the floodlights at Old Trafford
Manchester United welcomed European Champions Real Madrid to Old Trafford in the first European game to be held at the legendary venue on 25 April 1957. (h/t Manutd.com)
In spite of having to face the reigning champions on the back of a two-goal deficit from the first leg, the Busby Babes went into the game with hope still intact.
United had overturned a two-goal deficit in the previous round against Athletic Bilbao. The Red Devils lost the first leg 5-3 before winning 3-0 in the second leg.
However, a repetition wasn’t to be as Raymond Kopa and Hector Rial put Real two goals to the good before half time.
To their credit, United rallied after the break. Tommy Taylor halved the deficit before Bobby Charlton leveled the score at the death.
United went close on a number of occasions but in the end, Real’s time-wasting antics saw them see out the game. Their approach was met with derision by a defiant crowd and Sir Matt Busby who felt the referee should have added on more stoppage time.
It was a fighting end to a campaign that saw us make it all the way to the semi-finals. Real would go on to win the title that season, making it two in a row. They would only relinquish their crown four years later.
United’s hopes of payback were scuppered after the Munich air disaster. There would be redemption 10 years later when Busby led United to our first European crown.
The Red Devils made it to the final by defeating Real Madrid at home before drawing 3-3 away in the Spanish capital.
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The Busby Babes would go on to win the First Division title later that year. They, however, fell short in the FA Cup where they lost to Aston Villa in the final.
