European Cup Winners' Cup
FC Dynamo Moscow
Rangers vs Dynamo Moscow: 10 Things You Didn't Know
4:37 PMGoalChatterby Aleks V |
On this day in 1972, Rangers FC won their sole European trophy, the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, in a dramatic 3-2 battle against Dynamo Moscow at Camp Nou in Barcelona. In honor of the 45th anniversary of the historic final, here are some lesser-known facts about the game:
1. The first Soviet team in a European final
Dynamo Moscow in the 1972 Cup Winners' Cup Final. Photo: fcdynamo.ru |
2. The managers met again
Rangers FC manager, Willie Waddell, played against Dynamo Moscow manager, Konstantin Beskov, in Dynamo's 1945 tour of Britain. In the post-war friendly vs Dynamo, Waddell's penalty kick was saved by goalkeeper, Alexei "Tiger" Khomich. Dynamo Captain, Beskov, contributed to both of his team's goals against Rangers, earning the free kick for Kartsev's 3rd minute opener and assisting his second goal. The match ended in a 2-2 draw.
3. The managers' records still stand
As manager of Kilmarnock in 1964-65, Willie Waddell led the club to its only championship in Scotland's top tier to date. Konstantin Beskov led Dynamo Moscow to victory in the 1994-95 Russian Cup, the club's last trophy while playing in the Premier League.
4. The lone foreigner
Rangers only had one foreign player on their roster in the 1972 Cup Winners' Cup Final - goalkeeper, Gerry Neef, who was on the bench for the duration of the game.
5. 45 years later, the Captains still support their clubs
Both Captains remain active for their clubs. Rangers defender, John Greig, is the club's honorary life president. He's also on the board of the club's Youth Development Program. Dynamo Moscow defender, Valeri Zykov, attended the Blue-and-Whites' game against Shinnik on May 14, performing the ceremonial kick-off in honor of the 45th anniversary of the match against Rangers.
6. An artist is present
Fans hold up posters for the Rangers vs Dynamo Moscow game. Photo via cenotaph on forum.followfollow.com |
7. The NASL connection
Willie Johnston playing for the NASL's Vancouver Whitecaps, 1980. Photo: John Denniston |
8. One-club men
Rangers manager Willie Waddell. Photo: rangers.co.uk |
Rangers skipper John Greig homecoming & fans celebrate 1972 ECWC final win pic.twitter.com/800xyHcBgk— RetroScotsFitbapics (@RetroScotsFitba) August 3, 2015
Rangers manager, Willie Waddell, was a one-club man during his playing career. Rangers captain, John Greig, was a one-club man both as a player and manager. His involvement with the club continues to this day.
9. A record still stands
Rangers and Dynamo Moscow have played each other on six occasions - three friendlies and three official games. The Gers have never lost to Dynamo, winning five matches and drawing one (the 1945 friendly). The teams last met in 2001, in the UEFA Cup Round of 16.
10. Success for both teams
The 1972 Cup Winners' Cup Final remains both Rangers and Dynamo's greatest success in European competition. Rangers came close to a second European trophy in 2008, but lost to Zenit Saint Petersburg in the Final of the 2007-08 UEFA Cup.
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