The European Cup was traditionally Real Madrid’s trophy when the competition began. Inter Milan had won the competition too, but Celtic toppled them to become the first team from the UK to be crowned champions of Europe in 1967.

In Madrid it was believed that they were the rightful kings of Europe. As such, with Alfredo Di Stefano retiring, a testimonial was held at the Bernabeu on 7 June 1967. Celtic were the visitors and over 100,000 people turned up hoping to see Real Madrid set the record straight with victory.

The match didn’t go according to the script as Celtic utterly dominated proceedings. Jimmy Johnstone gave one of the finest footballing displays ever seen, as the entire Bernabeu stadium rose to their feet giving the winger a standing ovation. So mesmerised were the crowd by Jinky, that they chanted “OLE!” every time he touched the ball. It was remarkable that the greatest ever Celt had stole the occasion from Di Stefano, who was one of the all time greats.

Celtic won the game 1-0, Johnstone assisting Lennox for the winner. The result confirmed Celtic as unquestionably the greatest club team in Europe and it also rounded off a campaign which had seen the Hoops defeat George Best and Bobby Charlton’s Manchester United 4-1, before winning all five available trophies, conquering Europe and then toppling Real Madrid in the Bernabeu!