Nearly 39 years ago, Spurs squared up to AC Milan in the semi final of the UEFA Cup. Tottenham had largely breezed through the 1971/72 tournament, starting with a demolition of Keflavik and taking out Nantes, Rapid Bucarest and UT Arad along the way.
Milan were likely to prove a tougher test if Spurs were to progress and contest the first ever UEFA Cup final. The first leg was played at White Hart Lane in front of a crowd of over 40,000. Alan Mullery came back from a loan period with Fulham and he captained the side. The signs weren’t looking good as we went a goal down before half time, but Steve Perryman smacked in an equaliser before the break.
Perryman, the unlikely goal machine hit a spectacular winner in the second half, but a slender lead didn’t look to be enough, particularly as Milan held the important away goal.
In the return, skipper Mullery hit a long range shot past one Fabio Cudicini, father of Carlo and despite a Milan penalty, Spurs held on, before ultimately beating Wolves in the final.
No-one will be looking for omens from this game, but it’s nice to look back sometimes with fond memories. Whatever the circumstances of Mullery’s loan, his return was timely to say the least. He scored the crucial goal in the final and the winner at Arsenal in our final league game for good measure.
Here’s the highlights of that 2-1 home win.
Wow. Surprised they had it in colour! Anyway, we are back now!!
Great clip! The kits look wonderful, love the style of the numbers on the AC Milan kit in particular. And all three goals were crackers! Cheers for posting, gets me right in the mood for tonight.
@ TONY: colour tv came in the late 60`s my friend 🙂
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I’m not sure if its the nerves or excitement setting in now but can’t wait for 7:45 to arrive!! COYS!!!