We want to look back today and introduce you to one of the best teams Real Madrid have ever had. In the 60’, we can remember the ‘Yé-Yé Team’, able to win the European Cup in 1965-66 and the greatest team in Spain in Europe in this decade. The nickname came for the Beatles song ‘She loves you’ and because four of the members of this squad appeared in the front page of ‘Marca’ with wigs emulating The Beatles, obviously the best known band at that time.
This team was formed exclusively for Spanish players. They were able to continue with the success started with Alfredo Di Stéfano or Ferenc Puskas, who won five European Cups in a row. Francisco Gento was the only survivor and he took also part in the ‘Yé-Yé Team’.
After playing for Real Madrid, Miguel Muñoz became the coach of this great team. Actually, he is still the best coach in the history of the club, thanks to this great generation. Talking about the players we should highlight Pachín, Pedro de Felipe, Zoco, Velázquez or Amancio Amaro, whose nickname was ‘El Brujo’ (‘The Witch’), because of his dribblings. Manuel Sanchís, who has recently passed away, took also part of this team.
During this time, they were the best team in Spain, winning La Liga title nine times, five of these titles came in a row. However, they will also be remembered for winning the Champions League in 1966 at Heysel. The team arrived after losing two finals but they were favourites against Partizan. Only Benfica and Inter Milan had the similar quality.
The Yugoslavian team took the lead in the minute 55. However, Amancio Amaro and Francisco Serena scored to give the club their 6th European Cup in 1966. The club had to wait 32 years to see another Champions League Cup in their museum, in 1998 at Amsterdam Arena.
The footballers who played that final were: (3-5-2) José Araquistáin, Pachín, Zoco, Manuel Sanchís, Pirri, Manuel Velázquez, Fernando Serena, Amancio Amaro, Ramón Grosso and Paco Gento.