The Blizzard: Ajax 2-0 Panathinaikos, 1971
For today\u2019s episode of Greatest Games, in association with The Blizzard, we\u2019re joined by another member of the Football Ramble Daily parish: Andy Brassell! He\u2019s here to discuss the 1971 European Cup final, where Rinus Michels\u2019 imperious Ajax side took on Ferenc Pusk\xe1s\u2019 Panathinaikos.
Ferenc Pusk\xe1s\u2019 return to Wembley - eighteen years after his miraculous display in Hungary\u2019s 6-3 hiding of England - was most significant achievement in his coaching career. He led an unfancied but hugely talented Panathinaikos side past Everton and Red Star Belgrade in the latter stages of the competition to the final, against one of the most significant teams in football history. Captained by Velibor Vasovi\u0107 and featuring a Johan Cruyff at the peak of his powers, this era-defining Ajax side went on to enjoy huge success with their Total Football philosophy, and this final may well have been the sliding doors moment at the beginning of it all.
We discuss the match itself, the political landscape surrounding Panathinaikos at the time and this pivotal moment in Dutch football history, which Jonathan sums up via a splendid gardening metaphor!
For more stories from the annals of football history, visit www.theblizzard.co.uk to explore their archives that contain over 700 articles of stories just like this one!
Fancy getting in touch? Email us at blizzard@footballrambledaily.com or find us social media\u2014 just search 'Football Ramble Daily'.
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