The very first final of the Cup Winners' Cup took place back in 1961. Rangers F.C from Scotland would face Italian giants ACF Fiorentina in a two-legged final. That was the only final in the history of the tournament that was decided in a two-legged match. In reaching that stage of the cup, Rangers became the first British team to contest a major European final. The first leg of the final took place in Ibrox in Glasgow on the 17th of May 1961 and the second leg took place in Florence in Stadio Artemio Franchi nicknamed 'Comunale' on the 27th of May, 1961. Fiorentina, boosted by the superb performance of their leader and goal scorer Luigi Milan, outplayed their opponents in both games.
The Ibrox club, managed by Scot Symon, on the first round beat Hungarian Ferencvaros 5-4 on aggregate despite loosing second leg 2-1. On second round Rangers achieved two wins against German Borussia Monchengladbach. A 3-0 away victory at first leg in Germany and a 8-0 thrushing of the German team in Ibrox booked Rangers a place in the semi-finals against English Wolverhampton Wanderers. The first game played in Glasgow and Rangers took full advantage of their home ground with a clear 2-0 win. In the return match Rangers comfortably held on for a 1-1 draw to book their place in the final. Fiorentina progressed with ease past their opening round when they beat FC Lucerne by 9-2 on aggregate. The Semi Finals brought Fiorentina against Dinamo Zagreb from Yugoslavia. A commanding 3-0 first leg home win in Italy helped them reaching the final despite loosing the second away match in Zagreb by 2-1.
The first leg of the final took place in front of a crowd of 80,000 Rangers supporters dreaming of continental triumph. Rangers wanted a safe score for the return leg in Italy but an early goal from Luigi Milan on the 12th minute quickly quieten the crowd. Winger Gianfranco Petris pounced on a weak Harold Davis pass back to keeper Billy Ritchie and set up his team-mate to score. After the initial shock, Rangers tried to pull themselves back in the game, created some chances but the Italians were the those that scored a second goal with Luigi Milan two minutes from time. Milan beat Shearer to a disputed ball, surged forward, worked a one-two on the edge of the box and beat Rangers goalkeeper once more. Rangers had the chance to level the score when referee Erich Steiner awarded McMillan a penalty. Unfortunately for Rangers, Caldow put the spot-kick wide of the post. What a disappointing night for Rangers that was.
After their great away victory in the first leg, Fiorentina were well on their way to becoming the first Italian team to win a European trophy. Fiorentina looked confident and outperformed their opponents all over the pitch. Luigi Milan and Kurt Humrin scored for the Italians on the 12th and 86th minute respectivelly. In between, Alex Scott registered a consolation for Rangers on the 60th minute. The final finished with Fiorentina as comfortable 4-1 winners on aggregate and the trophy went to Italy for the first time.
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Gianfranco Petris
Gianfranco Petris
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Kurt Hamrin
Kurt Hamrin
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Luigi Milan
Luigi Milan
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Sergio Castelletti
Sergio Castelletti
Fiorentina were worthy holders of the European Cup Winners' Cup. The team from Florence was one of the greatest European football clubs of the time, and came close to challenge the European Cup, only loosing to the legendary Real Madrid by 2-0 in 1957.
