Gothenburg win was a miracle – Ferguson
Sir Alex hails Cup Winners’ Cup win
EXCLUSIVE
Published:
SIR Alex Ferguson today hailed Aberdeen’s epic European Cup Winners’ Cup triumph as a ‘miracle’.
The legendary former Dons boss returns to Pittodrie on Saturday week with his star-studded Manchester United side to pay tribute to the Gothenburg Greats.
He’s ready to bring a strong United team north to commemorate the 25th anniversary of that special night at the Ullevi Stadium on May 11, 1983.
Wayne Rooney Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs, Darren Fletcher, Paul Scholes and Carlos Tevez are among the host of world class players expected to grace Pittodrie to honour Aberdeen’s finest ever team.
Fergie, who has gone on to taste further European glory with the Red Devils, will long remember the rain-soaked night when his Dons side beat Spanish giants Real Madrid in a tense extra-time victory.
“That Aberdeen triumph over Real Madrid is something that will never be repeated,” said Ferguson.
“I’m quite sure of that as the European Cup Winners’ Cup run will remain unique.
“In fact it was a miracle in many ways that we beat the mighty Madrid that night.
“It’s still hard for some people to believe that the wee Aberdeen team beat the big Real Madrid team.
“Whenever you get to a cup final you are hoping that you have a chance, however small.
“There’s always that chance, but we believed we had more than just a chance.
“When we faced the great Real Madrid team, no-one thought we would win it, and I mean no-one.
“We believed we could do it, but we still shocked thousands of people that night.
“That’ll long live in my memory – it was a truly special night.”
Fast forward through the years, and Ferguson still has that magical touch.
The super sorcerer enjoyed Champions League glory in May as his latest United team of apprentices beat Chelsea on penalties in the final in Moscow.
Fergie’s furies also ruled Europe in 1999 when they dramatically edged out Bayern Munich in the Nou Camp thanks to their late, late show.
But it’s his first continental triumph with the Dons that still burns brightly for the all conquering manager.
He added: “It’s amazing to think it’s 25 years ago since Aberdeen beat Real Madrid, but time just marches on.
“As you get older time seems to pass even quicker.
“But we beat Real Madrid because we prepared properly for that final.
“Aberdeen winning a European trophy was the football equivalent of climbing Mount Everest.
“It is always nice to reflect on past glories, and it gives me great pride to know I am part of Aberdeen’s history.
“I’m looking forward to coming back to Pittodrie a week on Saturday for the big match against the Dons.
“It should be a great occasion for the Gothenburg team.
“None of them will actually be playing, but a lot of them will be there.
“Some obviously have other commitments as they are involved in the game with other clubs.
“One or two are managers so they might not be able to make it along but I’m looking forward to seeing everyone.
“It will still be a special day for them.
“That victory in Gothenburg helped make me the manager I am today.
“The only way to gain success is put everything you have into the job.
“I lived and breathed Aberdeen in the 1980s and had some great times at Pittodrie.”
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