participants
| Rapid Wien (AUSTRIA) | Anderlecht (BELGIUM) | CDNA Sofia (BULGARIA) | Sloan UNV Bratislava (CZECH) |
| AGF (DENMARK) | Manchester United (ENGLAND) | Nice (FRANCE) | Budapest Honved (HUNGARY) |
| Fiorentina (ITALY) | Spora Luxembourg (LUXEMBOURG) | Rapid JC (NETHERLANDS) | CWKS Warsaw (POLAND) |
| Porto (PORTUGAL) | Dinamo Bucurestu (ROMANIA) | Rangers (SCOTLAND) | Athletic Bilbao (SPAIN) |
| Real Madrid (SPAIN) | IFK Norrkoping (SWEDEN) | Grasshopper (SWITZTERLAND) | Galastasaray (TURKEY) |
| Borussia Dortmund (GERMANY) | Red Star Belgrade (YUGOSLAVIA) |
Introduction to the 1956-1957 UEFA Champions League
The 1956-1957 UEFA Champions League marked the second edition of Europe’s premier club football competition, initially known as the European Cup. Building on the success of its inaugural season in 1955-1956, the tournament brought together some of the top football clubs from across Europe to compete for continental glory. Organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), this season saw an increase in participation, reflecting the growing popularity of the competition. Real Madrid, the defending champions, successfully retained their title, underscoring their dominance in European football during the era. The tournament followed a knockout format, with home-and-away legs determining which teams progressed to the next round. Matches were filled with thrilling moments, showcasing the talent and dedication of players and the passionate support of fans. The 1956-1957 season not only cemented Real Madrid’s place in football history but also established the European Cup as a prestigious competition that would continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
TOP GOAL SCORER
Dennis Viollet’s Impact in the 1956-1957 European Cup Season
Dennis Viollet, a pivotal figure in Manchester United’s history, made a significant mark during the 1956-1957 season of the European Cup. As one of the "Busby Babes," Viollet played a vital role in United's inaugural campaign in the competition. Manchester United became the first English club to participate in the tournament, demonstrating their attacking prowess under Sir Matt Busby. Viollet's exceptional skill, sharp attacking instincts, and ability to find the back of the net contributed to the team’s impressive run to the semi-finals. His performances during this groundbreaking season not only showcased his individual brilliance but also highlighted the growing prominence of English football on the European stage. Though the team fell short of lifting the trophy that year, Viollet's contributions remain a key part of Manchester United's storied legacy in European football.
1957 Champions League Final: A Historic Moment in Football
The 1957 Champions League Final, held on May 30th at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, stands as a landmark moment in the illustrious history of football. This highly anticipated match brought together two legendary and distinguished teams of the era: Real Madrid and Fiorentina. Defending champions Real Madrid, widely regarded as one of the most dominant forces in football at the time, once again asserted their undeniable supremacy with a commanding and well-earned 2-0 victory, successfully clinching their second consecutive European Cup title. The scoring was opened by the ever-composed Alfredo Di Stéfano, who calmly converted a crucial penalty, and this was later followed by a decisive and memorable goal from the skillful Francisco Gento, sealing the hard-fought triumph for the Spanish giants. This historic and unforgettable final not only solidified Real Madrid's burgeoning legacy as a football powerhouse but also showcased the ever-growing importance, significance, and allure of European club football on a global scale. The 1957 final remains an enduring and celebrated highlight in the rich and vibrant tapestry of the Champions League's storied history.
Back-to-Back European Champions: REAL MADRID
In the early years of the prestigious European Cup, Real Madrid made history by becoming the first team to win the tournament in consecutive seasons. In 1956, the inaugural European Cup saw Real Madrid emerge victorious, setting a benchmark for excellence in European football. They solidified their dominance by defending their title successfully in 1957, securing their place as back-to-back champions. This incredible achievement laid the foundation for their legacy as one of the most decorated and celebrated clubs in the history of the sport. The 1956-1957 European Cup triumphs remain a testament to their unrivalled skill, teamwork, and determination during the competition's formative years.
TOURNAMENT DETAILS/STATISTICS
DATES: August 1, 1956 - May 30, 1957
TEAMS: 22 teams (from 21 associations)
CHAMPIONS: Real Madrid
RUNNERS-UP: Fiorentina
MATCHES PLAYED: 44 matches
ATTENDANCE: 1,840,978 (41,840 per match)