Vegan, Seriously you should (or could have) write a book, or open a blog special on Di Stefano ! I don;t know how long or how much you will cover but it seems you got whole lotta info of him with details in games! SUPERB
Thanks! The plan is to cover as much as possible, with what's available in the archives. Thanks, mate.
La Liga 22/11/1953 Jaen 1-2 Real Madrid Stadium: Victoria Mundo Deportivo headlined: “The leader obtained two points by two hairs: both goals were protested, especially the second one, obtained after the ball had gone out of the line of bounds” “If Madrid finds always a referee like Mr. Tamarit from Valencia against Jaen, one can already anticipate that they will win the title without any discussion. Today in the Victoria stadium, Real Madrid has been favored by the ref, with none other than awarding two goals, besides never wanting to see any fouls that could be qualified as malicious inside the box, which were north and guide of the performances from the madridista defenders Oliva and Navarro. The first goal of Di Stefano was clearly offside, and the second arrived from a cross from the Argentinian, produced when the ball had trespassed out of the line of bounds by a metre. This is not an Andalusia exaggeration, but the truth which was viewed by the 25.000 spectators that were at the game. Disconcerted is the work from this Valencia referee, where the players of Madrid were always given headway. In this way, we repeat, to obtain the title will be easy.” “Di Stefano out of the eleven men was the best player of Real Madrid. He didn’t produce a complete game but he stood out on many occasions, with his admirable form to get plays, and which the fans applauded him with justification. Beside him, the other Argentinian, Olsen, also shined, and had a complete match…” “…Molowny was subdued and we didn’t see him on the pitch. Naturally, his lacking affected the performance of the Madrid attack…” “…Di Stefano shined a lot, picking up the ball from deep to advance forward with joy and great sense.” His first goal was headed in from a Molowny cross and then turned provider crossing from an acute angle for Olsen to score the second. La Vanguardia stated: “Madrid totally dominated the local side in the first half. Madrid pressured and a cross-angled shot (header) from Di Stefano, from the right, is the first goal for Real Madrid, after 17 minutes of play. At 34 minutes, in the local area, Di Stefano picks the ball without the ref signaling offside; he crosses to Olsen, and he shoots which is the second goal for Madrid. The fans arm a phenomenal rage against the ref and linesmen for the decision to not signal that the ball had gone out of bounds.” [Other sources say the second goal was scored between the 22-24 minute]. ABC Madrid headlined: “In the first half Real Madrid secured the win against Jaen, with two goals by Olsen and Di Stefano” “Jaen dominated sequences in the second half but the organized Madrid defence only allowed them to score a goal in the final minutes of the match.” [The Madrid report only mentioned the questionable decision of the second goal from Madrid, which stirred lots of protests from the crowd and home team, but overlooked the controversy surrounding the first goal. However, they did point out that the ref was not sharp in some of his decisions and behaved ‘partially’ in favor of Real Madrid. But clarified that Madrid deserved to win because they were the better side, where Olsen and Di Stefano stood out in the forward-line and Navarro at the back in defence. Although this time Molowny did not shine as in previous games]. Summary: 1 goal (header) 1 assist http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1953/11/24/037.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1953/11/24/038.html http://hemeroteca.lavanguardia.com/preview/1953/11/24/pagina-20/32793204/pdf.html http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD02/HEM/1953/11/23/MD19531123-004.pdf
Friendly 25/11/1953 Athletic de Bilbao 4-1 Real Madrid Charity match played in San Mames, Bilbao, with a good entrance of spectators. ABC Madrid stated in their report that it was a dominant performance from the home side, particularly in the first half. Real Madrid’s best chances were sporadic counterattacks, in which Di Stefano stood out showing moments of class. Mundo Deportivo stated that “both sides played disinterested” and that all the expenses were paid by the visiting side. It also stated that when Real Madrid took the field they were received with a big round of applause, despite the match being played in Bilbao. The report indicated that in the second half Bilbao really got a hold of the game and rolled over Madrid beating them in the midfield. Real Madrid played at half their potential. The report also stated that “Di Stefano passed almost unnoticed but has shown signs of his great category.” Olsen, Joseito and Pazos were regarded as the most distinguishable players for Madrid in the second half. The goals: 10th minute: Mauri for Bilbao. Five minutes later Atienza equalized for Madrid after a corner kick was taken. 23rd minute: Mauri again. 67th minute: Arieta extended the lead. With less than 10 minutes remaining Mauri obtained a hat-trick. http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1953/11/26/043.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1953/11/26/044.html http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD02/HEM/1953/11/26/MD19531126-003.pdf
La Liga 29/11/1953 Real Madrid 1-2 Valladolid ABC Madrid headlined: “Real Madrid defeated by Valladolid in an afternoon full of surprises” “A solid defence and two happy minutes were enough for los Vallisoletanos to snatch two points in Chamartin” “Recipe to beat Real Madrid in Chamartin: forty parts of a deadbolt, twelve of velocity, two of goals and forty-six of dissolvent based on rage and energy.” “Real Madrid with all of their superphenoms, don’t know how to play against a deadbolt. Once the ‘penalty’ area is populated with defenders that are bent on closing down their lines in depth, the white team gets puzzled, they start to weave combinations around the blockade that the defence has imposed and lets time go by without finding the way to be decisive in cracking open their defence.” “It was sad on Sunday in the first half how minutes were ticking by without scoring any goal, to see Real Madrid indecisive, without confidence, weakly attacking a Valladolid side that defended with energy…” [The article also stated how they had doubts about the true chances of Real Madrid winning the league with performances like these. In the last three weeks they had declined significantly it stated. Some players were simply going through a slump or bad moment]. “Navarro is in descent…He’s lost security, frequently gets disoriented and his errors in the backline break the solidness in the central defence. Munoz leans excessively on his defence, rarely goes forward, and has fallen dangerously in the habit of crossing the ball from far, instead of completing his mission, which is to proportion the ball in comfortable conditions for his forwards. Zarraga, who had an extraordinary second half on defence, doesn’t hit almost ever in service. The wingers are almost no-shows. Atienza doesn’t run, doesn’t enter the box, and is imprecise. Gento is too individualistic or irregular in his performance. Molowny continues to be without physical faculties and limits himself to a few glimpses which more than anything resolve nothing. Olsen has lost speed and also background, and Di Stefano hasn’t jelled into the great figure which we all know he is, perhaps for lack of love to compromise in the zone where it’s super populated with threatening boots of defenders.” ABC Sevilla stated: “Splendid game from the Vallisoletanos, especially in the first half. The game was even, and both sides missed occasions to score. Both GK’s shined” Mundo Deportivo headlined: “The team of Chamartin could not defeat the defensive system of Vallisoletano” [The report indicated that the win from the visiting side was well-earned due to their excellent defensive job, and also due to the “impotent” job from Real Madrid to break their defense]. The goals: 2 goals through Morro and Domingo from the visiting side in the end of the first half gave them a commanding lead going into the half. Di Stefano, in the 52nd minute cut that lead with a long range shot after receiving a pass from Molowny. Summary: 1 goal http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD02/HEM/1953/11/30/MD19531130-004.pdf http://hemeroteca.lavanguardia.com/preview/1953/12/01/pagina-24/32793846/pdf.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/sevilla/abc.sevilla/1953/12/01/023.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1953/12/01/013.html [In this link there’s a B&W photo of Di Stefano inside the box challenging the goalkeeper in the air] http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1953/12/01/033.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1953/12/01/034.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1953/12/01/035.html
La Liga 06/12/1953 Sporting de Gijon 1-1 Real Madrid Stadium: El Molinon El Molinon registered the largest crowd of the season, with 40.000 spectators, due to great ‘desires’ to witness the white team. But unfortunately for them, Di Stefano and company disappointed. ABC Madrid headlined: “Disappointed in El Molinon the game of Di Stefano, Olsen and Molowny, and in general the entire team of R. Madrid” "Only in flashes were they able to showcase their class." “Gijon played their best game of the season, but only could score one goal, despite their dominance” “From the kick-off, all their men launched forward with enthusiasm and without fainting…” [For 60 minutes the home side was dominant and the report indicated that the draw was generous for Real Madrid]. “Madrid did not play well” “This game must have been the worst so far from the white team.” “Joseito, Lesmes and Oliva, the best” ABC Sevilla reported: “In the first half Real Madrid did not give sensation of danger, as demonstrated that their goal was obtained from the ‘penalty’ spot from Di Stefano. The call gave way to a monumental rage. In the second half Gijon dominates intensely and a shot from Glaria is stopped by the hand from a Madrid player, without the ref ‘realizing’ it. The rage is phenomenal. Peiro obtains the equalizer, launching the Gijon side towards the goal defended by Pazos.” [After the game concluded the ref withdrew with the crowd screaming at him.] La Vanguardia reported, “Real Madrid caused a poor impression, and in reality, only the lines of defence stood out, the middle grappled a lot, but without success, and up front only the wingers and the undisputable class of Di Stefano showed in spurts.” “Gijon put in a lot of enthusiasm and played a magnificent match. They deserved to win…” [The penalty in favor of Madrid was also controversial, according to the report, which brought lots of protests.] Mundo Deportivo headlined: “A not so clear penalty, gave the leader a draw, in a game where Gijon dominated” “No one can dispute that Real Madrid is superior, but this afternoon Gijon was superior.” “Real Madrid has been a disappointment. What was expected was a more colorful and effective performance. The forward line rarely existed…In the midfield, discrete Munoz and Oliva have been the most firm points of their defensive quartet.” [The report also indicated that the penalty in favor of Madrid was a harsh call against the home side]. Summary: 1 goal (penalty) http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/sevilla/abc.sevilla/1953/12/08/028.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1953/12/08/049.html http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD02/HEM/1953/12/07/MD19531207-004.pdf http://hemeroteca.lavanguardia.com/preview/1953/12/08/pagina-25/32794951/pdf.html Next up would be a friendly match against an Argentinean team.
Friendly 08/12/1953 Real Madrid 0-6 Independiente (Argentina) Stadium: Chamartin ABC Madrid headlined: “Independiente crushed (6-0) Real Madrid in Chamartin” “The Argentineans were superior in all grounds to the players in white” The report stated: “It was sad the spectacle which the followers of Real Madrid discharged with a thunderous and irritated ‘jeer’ to the players in white, sunken by the convincing six to zero result which was inflicted upon them by the ‘cracks’ of Independiente. It was unjustifiable, because the poor ‘aces’ of Real Madrid did what they could, first to win, and then to lessen their defeat. But the reality is that the Argentine players had surpassed them individually and collectively in all parts of the field…” “Real Madrid lost, first of all, because they are not in form. Because their men move on the pitch like men that are wasted, slow in creation, neat in making passes, lack of elasticity….But they lost, and this is what is most serious, because their style of play was, tactically, inferior to their opponents, which practice a football which is infinitely more practical, more incisive and more modern.” “Individually inferior” [The report indicated that with the pitch in terrible condition, due to the mud caused by the torrential rain, even under these conditions the Argentinean team was better, quicker and individually more talented, while Madrid was inferior]. Mundo Deportivo headlined: “The Argentinean team was favored by the weak Madrid defence” With the absence of Olsen, Munoz and Lesmes, Real Madrid was severely exposed. The report indicated that perhaps the final result was somewhat exaggerated, but that the Argentinean side fully deserved to win. Independiente simply were superior, not only in terms of football, but physically. And as the Argentine side was praised for their excellent forwards, midfield, and defence, Real Madrid’s defence was viewed as “poor”, which only favored things for the visiting side. Madrid’s offense did not fare better. The Argentine side defended man-to-man and stifled any attempts from the home team. In regards to Di Stefano, the report briefly mentioned that his offensive attempts were futile. Independiente scored two goals in the first half and then added four more in the second, in what was a humiliating defeat for the home team. After the match the visiting side left with a round of applause from the stadium. La Vanguardia highlighted the great play of the Argentinean player named Grillo, who directed his team to victory over a lamentable Real Madrid squad. They praised the individuality and effectiveness of the visiting side. The report also left the impression that Di Stefano was left alone on an island to struggle for himself. http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1953/12/09/009.html [Link above shows Di Stefano in action with the #9 on his back as centre-forward] http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1953/12/09/031.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1953/12/09/032.html http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD02/HEM/1953/12/09/MD19531209-003.pdf http://hemeroteca.lavanguardia.com/preview/1953/12/09/pagina-23/32794983/pdf.html
After obtaining some poor results, the coaching staff decided to make some changes and modifications. Alonso would step in as goalkeeper, and Perez Paya would come in to operate as centre-forward, while Di Stefano, who normally functioned in that role, would withdraw into a deeper role as ‘interior’ on the left and Molowny would play more on the wing. http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1953/12/13/061.html Next game in La Liga vs one of the bottom table teams: Celta de Vigo To be continued...
I can't wait to see more info of Di Stefano regarding his international games (pingpong from Argentina to Columbia and Spain)
La Liga 13/12/1953 Real Madrid 3-0 Celta de Vigo La Vanguardia reported: “Continues to be boring” [This is in reference to the poor and monotonous spectacle in this game and in Spanish football in general]. As previously stated, Perez Paya entered the starting lineup to operate as the centre-forward, moving Di Stefano into a more withdrawn position as ‘interior’ and Molowny to the flanks. These modifications paid off and Madrid won easily but only because Celta Vigo made it easy, according to the report. The report stated: “In Madrid, without Lesmes, under the defence, which worked well due in part to the slowness of the forward-line of the opponent. In the midfield Zarraga continues to be in poor form and up front only Di Stefano stood out, although only at times, and the quality of the amateur of Perez Paya, not lost by fortunate by the first few pesetas that he earned as a professional…” Mundo Deportivo headlined: “The match which did not have difficulty for the winners, where Di Stefano stood out as interior” The report mentioned that it was just another processed event, where the weather was cold and the stadium not sold out. Although Real Madrid won with all justification, the report indicated that the home fans were still not impressed, still reeling from the 0-6 defeat at the hands of the Argentinean team. The defence and midfield continued to leave some doubts. Every defender with the exception of the substitute Becerril left a poor impression. The offense, on the other hand, played well. It stated: “Especially Di Stefano, as interior, has given a magnificent lesson of how a player should perform in that position. Simply superb.” Perez Paya and Molowny were praised as well. The report indicated that the visiting side fought hard but offensively were lacking. Their impression was that Celta was better than what their ranking in the table showed. ABC Sevilla stated: “Despite Madrid always dominating, they showed a lack of team game against Celta, perhaps the worst side to have passed by at Chamartin.” ABC Madrid headlined: “Easy win for Real Madrid, who beat Celta by 3-0, in Chamartin” “The will and zest of Perez Paya, who scored a goal, while Di Stefano and Molowny scored the others” The report indicated that one must not be deceived by the win and result since Celta was probably the weakest side to have played at Chamartin so far. The difference between both sides was not as wide as for example was Independiente of Argentina and Real Madrid. The report went on to state that the defence left a lot to be desired which only affected the offense. And harsh words were directed at some players, especially Gento where it stated: “Gento is being the great “fiasco” of the team. Bulldozer, skilled, incisive in his first games, he is now a man excessively a friend of retaining the ball, which, almost always, loses the ball for persisting to conserve it, instead of trying to provide the ball to the open teammate.” In regards to Molowny it stated: “Molowny returns to his worst days: fat, heavy, without bellows, suffocating after a short sprint of 25 meters…” In regards to Olsen: “The once recent tireless interior, has lost speed and zest…” But in contrast, Di Stefano was praised. The report stated: “the undisputed qualities of Di Stefano, which on Sunday showed how an interior should perform” But the final impression was of a team that is sad to watch and they question if they can win the league title. It also stated that they cannot compare with other great club sides from Argentina, Uruguay, England or Hungary. Celta de Vigo was also castigated by the press which stated: “Celta, probable bottom table team” (In clear reference to the weakness in their squad] Interestingly, the ABC Madrid paper stated some stats in regards to the shooting of each team. For Real Madrid: ----------Shots on goal ------ Shots wide Molowny …….. 4 .................. 1 Olsen …………… 4 .................. 4 Perez Paya……… 2 ................ 6 Di Stefano………. 1 ................... 3 Gento……........….. 4 ................. 3 http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1953/12/15/050.html The goals: 16th minute: Perez picked up the ball at the halfway line after receiving a pass from Molowny and after running forward and eluding a player he struck a strong long range shot to put the home side ahead. 20th minute: Olsen’s shot was blocked by the goalkeeper and Di Stefano following the play netted the second goal from the rebound. 55th minute: Molowny nailed the 3rd goal from a cross from Gento. Summary: 1 goal http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD02/HEM/1953/12/14/MD19531214-004.pdf http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/sevilla/abc.sevilla/1953/12/15/026.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1953/12/15/049.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1953/12/15/050.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1953/12/15/051.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1953/12/15/052.html http://hemeroteca.lavanguardia.com/preview/1953/12/15/pagina-21/32795593/pdf.html
I apologise for asking this here and have no intention of changing the topic of the thread, I just cant think of anywhere better to ask as it is a question addressed to vegan10 and a match he might know of, albeit involving maradona not di Stefano. Vegan10 I've seen from some videos that there was a game at Barcelona where maradona scored two very nice solo goals, as well as a very good assist (he crossed the ball to the far post after another mazy dribble). I also think he won a penalty in this game after another nice dribble which I think he scored himself. (Ive seen the clips separately, but think they must all have been in the same game as the setting looks identical in each including the all white kit the opponents are wearing) That would be mean a hattrick + an assist, do you know who the opponent was?. I only know of one game that it may be (Limassol)
Sure, I'll be glad to help. The match you are referring to was the Cup Winners' Cup played on 14 of September 1983 on the road against Magdeburg of East Germany. Barcelona won 5-1 and the Spanish press hailed his performance. http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1983/09/15/MD19830915-003.pdf http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1983/09/15/MD19830915-004.pdf 10 days later he would be cut down with the infamous tackle from behind against Bilbao. The match that you mentioned vs Apollon Limassol of Cyprus was similar because he netted a hat trick and an assist. But the goals were scored in different ways: an header, free kick and a give and go with a teammate and then rounded the GK. It was played in September of 1982 and was also in the Cup Winners' Cup competition. The opponent also wore white jerseys and white socks, but the shorts were dark blue. http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1982/09/16/MD19820916-004.pdf If you need further info, you can always send me a PM.
Thank you Vegan, that was very informative. I have another question about another very good solo assist but as you suggested I will send you a PM instead
Di Stefano’s next game would be on the road against Valencia in La Liga. Prior to the match Di Stefano manifested that he had by now adapted to Spanish football, although he stated that it took him a lot to get used to it. http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1953/12/20/069.html To be continued…
La Liga 20/12/1953 Valencia 0-0 Real Madrid Stadium: Mestalla Full house with 45.000 spectators. ABC Madrid headlined: “The firm defensive lines of Real Madrid allowed a draw of zero in Valencia” “In a hard fought match until the last minute, Valencia, who attacked with more insistence throughout the game, drew at zero with Real Madrid.” “…It was not a game where the individualism shined; from there the two “stars” from each squad did not shine as far as they are accustomed to. Di Stefano, the same as with Wilkes, apart from some isolated plays, skirted only the area of goal, penetrating there on many occasions. Yet the Dutchman offered more flashes of courage than the Argentinean, but since he had a defence in front that was hard and energetic, he opted to shy away from the challenge.” "Perez Paya, magnificent, but solitary in front of goal” [In a match where Valencia dominated more of the actions, the text mentioned how the absence of Zarraga, Olsen and Molowny may have affected the outcome of the final result]. La Vanguardia reported: “In the first moments, Valencia initiates some good advances, with some brilliant plays from Pla, Segui and Wilkes, which the Madrid defence, very energized and successful, cut down quickly. There is concern in Madrid’s defence, without launching forward in attack, but adopting a meticulous tactic of counterattacks, with the interiors quite retracted up to the point that Di Stefano helped his defence lots of times…” “In reality it’s been a hard fought match by both defences, and in general, very even.” Mundo Deportivo headlined: “Madrid posed a defensive strategy and of an intense man-marking on Wilkes, obtaining a point” The text mentioned how one of Real Madrid’s key strategies was to subdue the “brain and motor” of the Valencia team: the Dutchman Wilkes. In what was viewed as a battle of the two best foreign players against each other, Wilkes and Di Stefano, with both men fighting loyally and hard, the draw was viewed as very valuable for the whites, taking into account how hard it is to come away with points from Mestalla and, more importantly, the fact that Valencia was one of the direct challengers for contending for the title. It was also viewed mostly as a defensive game, with Di Stefano operating in a more withdrawn position. The text mentioned how two and at times three men of Real Madrid marked and blocked every avenue of attempts from Wilkes. In regards to la Saeta Rubia the report stated: “Di Stefano had flashes of his class, but worked with less desire than Wilkes, resolving little in front of the vigilance that he was subjected to from the Valencia defenders.” http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD02/HEM/1953/12/21/MD19531221-004.pdf http://hemeroteca.lavanguardia.com/preview/1953/12/22/pagina-28/32796248/pdf.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1953/12/22/061.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1953/12/22/062.html
Wilkes was always full of praise of Di Stefano. In 1962, when his career was ending, he said that Di Stefano was at least the most complete he played against. He initially says "the best", but corrects it to "most complete" as a more certain observation. http://kranten.kb.nl/view/article/id/ddd:010953810:mpeg21013:a0243 He said those things at other occasions too. It seems though that his memory was not entirely correct because he thinks he played for the first time against him in the "enormous" Bernabeu stadium. And they were beaten. I think he has that 4:0 beating at the end of 1953-54 in mind, because he says that for Valencia it was impossible to win an away game in Bernabeu or Les Corts. It seems he forgot about the 0:0 game mentioned above. In the same article he says in more detail what the differences were between Spanish football culture and the Italian one. Interesting remarks. He says: play in Italy was harder and less respect for referees. In Spain the players cared more for each other and that benefited fast and attractive play, as well as beneficial for older players like himself. It demanded creativity from players. Funnily, the first nickname of Wilkes was "el fenomeno"... http://kranten.kb.nl/view/article/id/ddd:011219399:mpeg21005:a0055 ... but he made himself later less popular and vulnerable to personal attacks when he refused Spanish citizenship: http://kranten.kb.nl/view/article/id/ddd:010885290:mpeg21010:a0195 Di Stefano did not forget him too. In 1987 he said: "Wilkes. Faas Wilkes, the best footballer that ever played for Valencia." http://kranten.kb.nl/view/article/id/ddd:010611480:mpeg21020:a0353 Though that can also be politeness I guess. In the archives there also interviews with Vava and Didi who started to talk about Wilkes without being asked for it (the one with Vava was in 1959, where he also praised Di Stefano but he says interestingly that Di Stefano is changing his game as a result of his age; "the years start to count for him" he says cryptically as introduction.).
La Liga 27/12/1953 Real Madrid 4-3 Espanyol Stadium: Chamartin Full house Mundo Deportivo headlined: “Espanyol, having taken the initiative of the game and coming back twice from behind against Madrid, was defeated by the minimum in a match which ended with accidents and which a legitimate goal was disallowed by the ref, could have been the deciding factor in the final result” “What do we say of Real Madrid?” “Molowny was the marker of goals that resolved the match. He obtained three with opportunity and mastery, manifesting in great form of play.” [The Madrid GK, Alonso, was also praised. But the text mentioned how Madrid had alarming weaknesses. They were considered slow, the defence fragile, and playing like this it was doubtful that they should win the league title. According to the Catalan paper, Espanyol should have won, but luck and the refs were on Real Madrid’s side. And that Espanyol certainly had improved in comparison to their match previously vs Barcelona and that this time played “great”]. In regards to Di Stefano, who scored once but missed more than he converted, the text mentioned the fine job that his marker applied on him: “Fauro was very good. Enormous, absolutely shutting down Di Stefano, whose own prize and excessive dribbling appears to have been contagious spreading throughout the rest of his teammates in the attack”. ABC Madrid headlined: “Thanks to a great streak from Molowny, Madrid beat Espanyol 4-3 in Chamartin” “Rivero ruined a game with poor refereeing, which concluded with intemperate attitudes from the players of Espanyol” [Interestingly, the Madrid paper viewed things differently from the Catalan paper. Their impression was that Espanyol was favored by this ref, at one point labeling him their “protector”, when he should have awarded the home side some pk’s and should have cut down on the rough play from Espanyol’s players. The match itself was considered to have been ‘poor’, only intensified with emotion with the controversial plays. However, the enthusiasm of the Madrid side was praised. But some defenders and mids were criticized, particularly Zarraga, Navarro and Munoz, once strong performers, but now considered a liability. And Olsen and the defender Lesmes were still out through injury. The text mentioned that Di Stefano at times was “skilled and created frequent danger” and that Perez Paya’s game was good.] [The newspaper of La Vanguardia also attributed the chaos of heated events by questioning the decisions of the referee, stating: “This gentleman may be the culprit”. They also reported that if Madrid is the leader of this league it just goes to show how low Spanish football is at the moment, in clear reference to the poor play from the home side. The text stated that the decisiveness of Molowny was the key to victory but also the decisions from the ref played a major part]. ABC Sevilla reported: “The match was on the verge of producing a surprise of a draw for the Espanyolistas. This occurred for the deficiency of Madrid in the first half, which was amended in the second period. Soler had a performance which caused his teammates to lose their nerves and Cata was sent off justifiably. Marcet scored for Espanyol; Molowny leveled for Madrid. Before a goal from Cruellas was disallowed inexplicably. Another goal was disallowed from Di Stefano when the ball had crossed the goal-line. In the second half goals were scored from Di Stefano, Marcet, Cruellas, Molowny and Molowny, in that order. The game hardens and Cata is sent off. Rivero, the ref, deficient” The goals in detail (some details vary): 20th minute: Marcet opened the game up giving the lead to Espanyol with a ‘magnificent’ shot. [Soon after this goal Espanyol had scored again but the ref controversially disallowed it for a presumed offside]. 30th minute: [Note: Conflicting accounts. Mundo Deportivo said Gento crossed to Di Stefano; the Argentine forward saw Molowny unmarked to his right and sent him alone to score the equalizer. But ABC Madrid and La Vanguardia gave the pass and assist to Perez Paya. That’s two sources that overrule Mundo Deportivo’s accounts]. 46th minute: Molowny found Gento, whose cross across the goal was rejected by the goalkeeper but the rebound was picked up from an unmarked Di Stefano to tap in the second goal for the home side (2-1). [La Vanguardia stated that it was a “poor” clearance from the GK which Di Stefano took advantage of.] 50th minute: Marcet obtained the equalizer from a superb shot that hit the post and went in. [La Vanguardia stated that his goal was from a header after a corner kick]. 65th minute: Espanyol go ahead with a goal from Cruellas. 70th minute: [Note: Mundo Deportivo said that Di Stefano took a corner kick and Molowny connected with a chip shot to level again. But ABC Madrid and La Vanguardia stated that Rodriguez took the corner and that the ball deflected off defenders into the path of Molowny to score]. 80th minute: Molowny off a rebound from a free kick obtained his hat trick. [Controversial goal because some sources argued that he used his hand, that he was offside and that some defender had been impeded inside the box. Afterward Cata and Molowny got in an argument. The ref sent Cata off and Espanyol’s players started to protest and the game got out of hand]. Summary: 1 goal no assists (Although Mundo Deportivo’s source varies, but ABC Madrid and La Vanguardia credit other players instead for an assist, coinciding with the same men overruling Mundo Deportivo). http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/sevilla/abc.sevilla/1953/12/29/030.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1953/12/29/053.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1953/12/29/054.html http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD02/HEM/1953/12/28/MD19531228-003.pdf http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD02/HEM/1953/12/28/MD19531228-004.pdf http://hemeroteca.lavanguardia.com/preview/1953/12/29/pagina-22/32806728/pdf.html
La Liga 10/01/1954 Osasuna 1-1 Real Madrid Stadium: San Juan Mundo Deportivo headlined: “Despite the persistent dominance of the local side, los Navarros had to concede a point to the madridistas” “Very poor was the state of the pitch in San Juan on Sunday, the great amount of rain that had poured in Pamplona throughout the past week…” According to the text, Osasuna played a top match, whereas Madrid did not leave a good impression. Di Stefano operated in a more withdrawn position and with “precaution”. The same occurred with the return of Olsen to the squad. The players that stood out this time for Real Madrid were GK Pazos and Perez Paya. La Vanguardia reported: “Osasuna has played their best game in their camp and came out to win. And only the lack of finishers impeded them from obtaining it. In the first half the dominance of the home side is clear and constant, accentuated in the last 20 minutes where Real Madrid could not pull out from within their own half. The offense was abusing Madrid’s goal with repetitive attempts without converting and precisely in that time frame of the majority of dominance from the local side Madrid in the 42nd minute obtains a goal: quick escape from Gento with a cross toward goal and after various rejections from the defence, Joseito is able to put the ball in the net. In the second half the local side continues to dominate although with less intensity as in the first half…” The equalizer occurred in the 81st minute through Fustero. ABC Sevilla reported: “This has been the best game witnessed in San Jaun. Osasuna produced a magnificent match, and only the lack of a finisher impeded them from obtaining a win. The game was rough, but noble, and Madrid as well as the home side, had as much chances to convert. The first goal was scored from Joseito, and that’s how the first half ended. In the second half, Fustero obtained the equalizer.” ABC Madrid headlined: In a completely muddy pitch, Real Madrid and Osasuna drew at one goal apiece” “Madrid caused a very good impression, and the GK and defence impeded the home team from victory” “The best of Madrid was their defence” “However, it’s been admirable viewing the skillful plays of Di Stefano and Olsen and the colorful and quick game of Gento and Joseito, which have been the most dangerous men up front, since Di Stefano and Olsen were subjected to tight man-markings…” “The final result was fair since both sides, Madrid for their game and Osasuna for their enthusiasm have deserved to win.” The text coincided that the home side had absolutely dominated the first half, but the solid defensive displays from Madrid thwarted their attempts. Madrid showed great pose to sustain every wave of attacks and for that reason alone, the draw seemed to be justified. http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/sevilla/abc.sevilla/1954/01/12/020.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1954/01/12/033.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1954/01/12/034.html http://hemeroteca.lavanguardia.com/preview/1954/01/12/pagina-19/32790575/pdf.html http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD02/HEM/1954/01/11/MD19540111-004.pdf
We are around halfway through Di Stefano's first season in Spain. Next match coming up was at home against Athletic Bilbao. To be continued...
La Liga 17/01/1954 Real Madrid 2-3 Athletic de Bilbao Stadium: Chamartin Full house with more than 80.000 spectators ABC Madrid headlined: “Real Madrid defeated in their house by Athletic Bilbao, continues to lead the classification” “Another censurable arbitration from Gonzalez Echevarria influenced the final result in Chamartin” The Madrid text clearly showed their discontent with the refereeing, but more so with the backline of defence, stating this: “Real Madrid lost yesterday a game that they should have won…” “The seed itself of the defeat lies in the defensive position occupied normally in the middle by the defensive mids Munoz and Zarraga....” [The text goes on criticizing those two players, but they are very critical of the rest of the defence]. And it was a defensive error from Becerril that gave way to the first goal after only 5 minutes, thanks to Mauri. Real Madrid soon equalized when Di Stefano pulled back a ball to Olsen who fired home (1-1). That goal gave a false sense that Madrid would take the game over, but poor finishing from Gento, Olsen and others and the liability at the backline for Madrid, condemned them to a dangerous draw heading into the half. “The story of the second half is more unpleasant. Mr. Gonzalez Echevarria accentuated his known manner in officiating, consistent in turning a blind eye on fouls that he does not want to see, and the enthusiastic players of Athletic, in such a favorable position, cut down the majority of the initiatives of Madrid with fouls that were not sanctioned in dangerous zones on the field. To make matters worse, a foul in favor of Athletic, produced a dubious goal from Arieta, which Gonzalez Echevarria awarded in the middle of all the protests from the players in white and the yells from the crowd.” Arieta extended the lead after another defensive error, but this time committed from the inexperienced defender, Campa. A goal from Molowny from a pass from Munoz in the 87th minute cut the lead for Madrid but it was too late. The report went on to state this of Madrid: “Real Madrid is full of holes…” “Alonso is not the man necessary to protect the goal…” “Becerril lacks solidness…” “Navarro, irregular, but always bravo and effective….” They mentioned already the defensive mids, now the attack: “Joseito, continues to be bravo, with will and clumsiness; Olsen is in grave crises, which needs to be corrected; Di Stefano continues as great player, although perhaps a little undecided in taking risks when he’s marked with roughness; Molowny, magisterial in five meters of field, he doesn’t have more space and he needs someone in the middle behind him to cover his gap, and Gento continues to finish poorly what he started brilliantly.” Mundo Deportivo headlined: “The greed and velocity of those of San Mames imposed itself over the technique and reserves of Madrid” The text made it very clear that Madrid was going through a bad patch at the moment. And that Bilbao won with all justice. In regards to Di Stefano, the report stated this: “One man has to be pointed out in the Bilbao squad. Venancio was the best out of the 22 players in his role as central defender, in which he produced a great game shutting down completely Di Stefano and still having the faculties to get to other spots on the field shutting down other dangerous attacks.” “Canceled out Di Stefano, low form of Olsen and Gento and unrecognizable Molowny, although resuscitated in the last moments in order to score one of his classical goals.” Only Joseito in attack was spared. But the defence was also criticized. The text also disagreed with how the ref officiated. According to them, he did not have any involvement in the outcome of the match. In sum, Bilbao won well. La Vanguardia headlined: “This time the ref was not casero” [Casero means something like favors the home team]. The text reported that Madrid lost not because of the ref, but due to the team going through bad spells where the defence continued to be a liability. The text also mentioned that the only time that Madrid played well at home was when they defeated Barcelona, other than that, they have lacked the heart of a champion. Fortunately for them, other teams in La Liga continued to lose, which was the only reason why Madrid continued to stay at the top. Some player stats in regards to shots on goal: Shots on target………….shots wide……… Joseito ...3……………………1 Olsen ...2……………………..7 Di Stefano ...2……………….1 Molowny ...3…………………0 Gento ...3……………………..2 Munoz ....2……………………1 _____________________________________________________________________ Summary: 1 assist http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1954/01/19/029.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1954/01/19/030.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1954/01/19/031.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1954/01/19/032.html http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD02/HEM/1954/01/18/MD19540118-004.pdf http://hemeroteca.lavanguardia.com/preview/1954/01/19/pagina-20/32791190/pdf.html