The European Cup Final 1968
Manchester United 4-1 Benfica (after extra time)
29th May 1968
It took 12 years for Matt Busby to realise a dream which started in Anderlecht in 1956. He had seen his team emerge unsuccessfully from 3 European Cup semi final matches, and had endured the tragic loss of one of the finest football teams ever produced by an English club.
After an uninspiring goal-less 1st half, United finally took the lead in the 2nd half with a goal produced with the combined efforts of Sadler, Dunne and Charlton, after receiving a cross from Sadler, Charlton headed the ball past Henrique and into the net.
With just 10 minutes left before full time Benfica managed to equalize with a goal by Graca. All was almost lost when Eusebio broke away from Stiles and and targetted the goal with a shot which was fortunately blocked by Stepney.
Two minutes into extra time saw United gain the lead again with a fantastic goal by George Best, another minute and another goal this time headed in by Brian Kidd, this goal was probably his best 19th Birthday present.
The 8th minute of extra time saw United hammer home a 4-1 win with a goal from Charlton.
This game was probably one of the most emotional nights of British Football and no doubt the survivors of the Munich disaster were thinking of those who were denied the chance to revel in such a glorious victory.
