George Best scored a winner against Real Madrid in the 1968 European Cup semi-finals to help guide Sir Matt Busby’s Manchester United side to a Wembley final.
Manchester United fans do a remarkable job remembering their legendary players from yesteryear. On the terraces, you still hear chants about Sir Matt Busby, George Best and Eric Cantona.
It’s up to the current players to make such an impression that their names will be sung for many years to come.
Of course, it takes big moments, and Best had plenty of them at United after being trusted by Busby as a homesick young boy from Belfast.
The Busby Babes reached the European Cup semi-finals in 1957 and 1958
Were the Busby Babes destined to go all the way in the European Cup before the Munich air disaster?
Were the Busby Babes destined to go all the way in the European Cup before the Munich air disaster?
Getty Images
After making his debut for United in the First Division, aged 17, in September 1963 against West Brom, Best went on to develop his skills and become the best player in Europe.
Best is now renowned as one of the greatest players of all time. He’ll forever be an icon at Old Trafford.
George Best skipping past Real Madrid players
Photo by Staff/Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix via Getty Images
George Best decides tie against Real Madrid at Old Trafford
On this day, 58 years ago, United recorded their first-ever win against Real Madrid.
More United News
It’s amazing to think about it now because the 1-0 victory, at the time, was seen as a missed opportunity because Busby suggested ahead of that match that his side would need a two-goal lead going into the second leg against Real Madrid.
“If we can go to Madrid for the second leg with a two-goal lead, I believe we shall be on our way to the final,” Busby said, as quoted by ManUtd.com.
The only goal came in the 36th minute when John Aston crossed for Best, who sent the ball past Antonio Betancort.
United had more chances, and it was clear Real Madrid were not as strong as they were in the 50s. Paddy Crerand came close by hitting the post, and other chances fell to Denis Law, Nobby Stiles and Brian Kidd.
Speaking after the match, Busby said: “I would have liked to have scored more than one goal. I thought we deserved more than one but we did not have the breaks.
“I thought we were much the better team than they were and I think we will prove it in Madrid.”
The second leg in Madrid ended 3-3 as United secured their place in the 1968 European Cup final against Benfica, who knocked out Juventus in the other semi-final tie.
⭐ Were you lucky enough to see George Best play?
Tell us about your memories…
George Best DP
George Best won the Ballon d’Or in 1968
Best won the 1968 Ballon d’Or at the age of 22, becoming the first Northern Irish player and youngest at the time to win the award.
The award was judged by a panel of sports journalists from UEFA member countries.
Best was at his peak, scoring 32 goals in 53 appearances for United across all competitions.
The Belfast Boy also scored in the 4-1 European Cup Final win over Benfica.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox