La Liga 12/09/1954 Real Madrid 1-2 Valencia Stadium: Chamartin, Madrid Goals: 0:1 (8) Wilkes, 0:2 (14) Seguí, 1:2 (81) Rial. Real Madrid (Enrique Fernández): Alonso; Navarro, Oliva, Lesmes, Muñoz, Zárraga, Durán, Rial, Di Stéfano, Mateos, Gento. Valencia: Quique; Quincoces, Monzó, Sócrates, Mangriñán, Puchades, Mañó, Pasieguito, Wilkes, Buqué, Seguí. ABC Madrid headlined: "El Madrid began the league with a stumbling block against Valencia, in Chamartin" "The game of the whites lacked union, whose defensive line showed a lack of form and insecurity" The fans showed their consternation after the match, defeated by the winners of the Spanish Cup, whose side only shot 5 times on target while Madrid had 26 shots on point. Despite this, the Madrid report stated that the winner was the best side on the field. Valencia was "rough and compact in defense, offered always a super populated amount of people in the area against the invasion of Madrid, and when they did spring forward into attack they knew how to deploy themselves with quickness, advance with simplicity and take advantage with looseness their opportunities." "El Madrid is not yet on point..." "...Their defense was slow and indecisive...." "And the worst part, perhaps, is that Madrid has voted once again for the fineness and jugglery...." As for Di Stefano, the text mentioned that the ref was very tolerant in allowing the defender marking Alfredo to get away with impunity by "tolerating the anti-sport recourses which was permitted by a player, rough and sticky like Magrinan, to completely cancel out a real 'ace', like Di Stefano..." "Valencia had studied well their opponent before they arrived to Chamartin. They knew that Madrid did not have more than one real danger man: Di Stefano. Not only as a producer, but more so as a stimulus and creator of combinations against the vanguard. That's why a man was put in charge in roughly tying down the Argentine juggler. And Magrinan knew how to fully accomplish his task. He followed the striker as if it were a shadow. A shadow that materialized and moved dangerously the feet, pushed, hugged, obstructed, always when he did not have the initial advantage which permitted him to have access with the ball. When he couldn't take it away from Di Stefano, he did not let him play at his leisure, and with that unquestionable nullification, even if it was at times by illegal means, it finished with the aspirations of Real Madrid's attacker." That was the primary key to strangling Real Madrid. But Madrid’s defense was slow and insecure, with several men in low form. In sum, “Madrid played a bad game, without ever finding the solution to their defensive problems that Valencia set up against them…” Valencia took the lead early on through their Dutch star player, Wilkes, who scored a great individual goal, after eluding a defender and then the goalkeeper. Moments later Segui extended the lead with a powerful shot from afar, which was considered the finest goal of the afternoon. After 16 minutes Valencia held a two goal lead. From then on Valencia retreated and was able to build a bunker defense, where Magrinan shut down Di Stefano. The best chances for Madrid came after the half where they struck the post on several occasions, had a goal disallowed, and cut the lead in the last ten minutes through Argentine forward, Rial, after he headed in a corner kick taken from Duran. The players that stood out were Wilkes in the first half and most of Valencia’s defense, particularly the shadow that was marking Alfredo. As for Di Stefano, the report mentioned that perhaps he is somewhat overweight at the moment. The text also mentioned their dissatisfaction with the way the match was officiated. A comparison of the star players of each side: Wilkes took 4 shots on goal, 3 on target and 1 wide. Di Stefano took 4 shots on goal, 2 on target and 2 wide. Mundo Deportivo headlined: "The levantino team, playing through counterattacks, scored two goals in the first half: Real Madrid bottled up their opponent in the second half and couldn't score more than once. Great performance from Quique and Wilkes for Valencia" The text emphasized that Real Madrid debuted against one of the strongest foes in the league. Valencia is the most dangerous side to kick off in defense of their title, according to the report. But if this was a boxing match, Madrid would have won since they dominated around 75 minutes of the match. But since it's not the two goals were enough to knock Madrid out. The defeat, however, was played down, viewed more as a slip than any sign of worry. Valencia played very well, Magrinan stood out for canceling out Di Stefano and Wilkes and Quique played a fine match, while Rial did not disappoint but still needs to show more, according to the text. LaVanguardia stated: "In the field one could witness a team that was prepared beforehand. That a coach had been concerned in preparing against the opponent. They were Valencia and Iturraspe (coach). Thus Di Stefano was very well guarded from the beginning and although the quality of the Argentine appears sometimes, the truth is that he could not escape a double monitoring, of Monzo of Magriñán, especially designed to shadow Madrid's center forward. Monzo played cleanly; but not so much with the midfielder, who used all means - licit and illegal - to slow Di Stefano." But despite this, a lot more was expected from Madrid, but they didn't see it. Wilkes up front and Quique in goal were praised for their displays. And the report stated that although the ref was not very "energetic" he did not influence the match and had nothing to do with Madrid's defeat. http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1954/09/14/027.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1954/09/14/028.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1954/09/14/029.html http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD02/HEM/1954/09/13/MD19540913-004.pdf http://hemeroteca.lavanguardia.com/preview/1954/09/14/pagina-19/32784207/pdf.html
Hey Vegan, I am so lazy (to count goals) but if you have stats of Di Stefano and Puskas in goals + assists in EC from QF to Final? That would be great ... Thanks in advance
Hi James, I haven't checked that info yet and I won't have the time now to do it because in a few days I'll be going away on vacation, so I'm busy occupied with that. Sorry about that. I will continue with this thread later on in the year. Regards.
ok enjoy your vacation ... looks like I have to do the hard work ... but I will miss a lot of assists ...there
Allow me to resuscitate this thread. I had left it at round 1 of Di Stefano's second season, when Madrid was defeated at home to Valencia. Their next encounter was on the road in San Sebastian. To be continued...
La Liga Round 2 19/09/1954 Real Sociedad 1-3 Real Madrid Stadium: Atocha, San Sebastian Goals: 0:1 (34) Rial, 0:2 (56) Di Stéfano (p), 0:3 (74) Mateos, 1:3 (86) Paz. Real Sociedad: Bagur; Gordejuela, Suárez, Elizondo, Sistiaga, Peporro, Iriondo, Epi, Paz, Laguardia, Esnaola. Real Madrid (Enrique Fernández): Alonso; Marquitos, Oliva, Lesmes, Muñoz, Zárraga, Durán, Rial, Di Stéfano, Mateos, Joseíto. La Vanguardia: "The match has been good, especially in the first half, that the domain has been even..." "On one occasion, Epi, all alone in front of Real Madrid's goal, inexplicably missed a good opportunity shooting wide. After 33 minutes, an advance from Di Stefano, who passes to Rial, whose cross shot goes into the net without Begur being able to do anything about it. With both sides alternating possession the first half came to a close, with the result of one to zero in favor of Madrid." "The second half was more of a game of "dare". Real Sociedad began pressing, but an advance from Mateo, caused Suarez to foul, the referee, perhaps too harshly, awarded a penalty. Di Stefano executed the PK to score the second goal from the outsiders. From then on the game lost interest. Madrid imposed their game and in the 29th minute Mateos in an individual play converted the third." Paz reduced the lead in the 86th minute but it was small consolation. ABC Madrid headlined: "Paz was unable to shutdown Di Stefano, whom was the motor of Madrid's win in San Sebastian" "... and in attack, although not reaching the splendid and spectacular heights from last season, Di Stefano once again returned to being the star of the frontline. For all of what he did individually, as well as how he made his teammates go..." ABC Sevilla headlined: "Indicated victory of Madrid in Atocha" The report briefly concluded that Di Stefano and Munoz, plus the two wingers and Alonso, stoodout. Mundo Deportivo: "Result completely normal and fair" The report stated that the game never reached a high level of quality, with both sides dominating actions evenly, but that Madrid won thanks to being more efficient in their frontline. Once the match had concluded, Madrid received a standing ovation, with Di Stefano receiving the most extensive applause from the stands. The report stated that they were more impressed with the Madrid from last season. This team is vulnreable at the back and especially on the flanks. Di Stefano was praised as the "brain" and "axis" of the team. He played well individually and made others play well. He was the best. His pass to Rial which led to goal was "splendid". On the other hand other key Madrid players failed to impress. Summary: 1 goal (penalty) 1 assist http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD02/HEM/1954/09/20/MD19540920-004.pdf http://hemeroteca-paginas.lavanguardia.com/LVE07/HEM/1954/09/21/LVG19540921-022.pdf http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/sevilla/abc.sevilla/1954/09/21/020.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1954/09/21/031.html
hello vegan10 you have the complete list of all 166 matches in primera division argentina of maradona with arg. juniors.i have found only when he scored!
Hello kashmir88, I do have that info but it's stored away abroad and don't have access to it right now. In a potential thread created to him, that would be covered.
La Liga Round 3 26/09/1954 Real Madrid 7-0 Las Palmas Stadium: Chamartin, Madrid Goals: 1:0 (3) Di Stéfano, 2:0 (5) Joseíto, 3:0 (10) Di Stéfano, 4:0 (14) Durán, 5:0 (19) Rial, 6:0 (21) Joseíto, 7:0 (87) Di Stéfano. Real Madrid (Enrique Fernández): Alonso; Marquitos, Campa, Lesmes, Muñoz, Zárraga, Durán, Rial, Di Stéfano, Joseíto, Atienza I. UD Las Palmas: Pepín; Juanorro, Beltrán, Verde, Naranjo, Beneyto, Padrón, Vázquez, Nasio, Ricardo, Marcial. ABC Sevilla headlined: "Madrid found it too easy against Las Palmas" ABC Madrid: "A trend of great level of play of Madrid was enough to down Las Palmas seven to nil in Chamartin" The report states that the visiting side attempted to play evenly with Madrid, which resulted in a suicidal approach by leaving space at the back which ultimately ended in a brutal beat down. After five minutes they were already behind by two goals. Di Stefano scored a hat-trick and set up another goal. His performance was deemed as "wonderful" and without a marker like Magriñán breathing down his neck the "enormous style" of Di Stefano was able to shine. The stats indicate that Di Stefano took 8 shots, 5 on target and 3 wide. Mundo Deportivo headlined: "Real Madrid, without an enemy in front, defeated Las Palmas 7 to 0: After 20 minutes with 6 to 0, the game was already settled" The report castigates the visiting side. They committed suicide in the first half and "have been on the pitch... for nothing. Without any tactic..." It must be stated that this side had just been promoted to the first division. But their complete lack of fighting spirit and a clear and proper game-plan heading into the match was unacceptable. They virtually surrendered before the game had even started. Any prior prognostications that they were to play a defensive game, as they had done in Mestalla, tightly marking Valencia's Dutch "ace", Wilkes, was not transferred to Chamartin. Di Stefano went unopposed, without any shadow, as Las Palmas played an "open game", without any idea of what to do. It was a "disconcerting" performance. Obviously, under these conditions, without any marker shadowing Alfredo, he was able to "shine", and with him shining, "all the attack works to perfection." La Vanguardia: "Too easy" The report stated that this game was decided after only 20 minutes when Madrid had already scored 6 goals. For Las Palmas it was the same if they lost by one goal or by six or twelve. All they cared for was to get a goal, even if they conceded many. For Madrid, Munoz was praised, as being "rejuvinated" and Di Stefano, for having an "unequal quality". He was "loose, running from deep or certifying from close range by placing balls securely towards goal." It was surprising when more than 80,000 fans turned out to witness this game, according to the report, as this match painted no real color. Summary: 3 goals, 1 assist http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD02/HEM/1954/09/27/MD19540927-004.pdf http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/sevilla/abc.sevilla/1954/09/28/022.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/sevilla/abc.sevilla/1954/09/28/023.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1954/09/28/027.html http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1954/09/28/028.html http://hemeroteca-paginas.lavanguardia.com/LVE07/HEM/1954/09/28/LVG19540928-025.pdf
In this site I found a digital Library (Hemeroteca) by Marca http://www.arefepedia.es/foro/viewforum.php?f=11 Since the 1958-59 season it could be found the match grades for La Liga https://mega.nz/#F!Z1kBkLRC!OhpPXlH13ivSqTIGOfTQzA!Ekl0ySCK
Sanfilippo was the most dangerous striker in Argentinian football around the early 1960s and in this photo it confirms Di Stéfano’s multifaceted abilities to operate in different functions. Article of El Gráfico in 1961 states Di Stefano backtracking to mark Argentina’s most dangerous attacker, while it’s hard to imagine Sanfilippo doing the same on the other end.
La Liga Round 4 03/10/1954 Hércules 1-1 Real Madrid Stadium: La Viña, Alicante ABC Madrid headlined: “Di Stéfano and Muñoz, rigorously marked, diminished Madrid’s performance” Many expected Madrid to roll over the Alicante side, but the key was the game-plan of nullifying Di Stéfano. Hércules were successful in canceling him out and shutting down Real Madrid’s other stars. https://www.abc.es/archivo/periodicos/abc-madrid-19541005-31.htm According to Mundo Deportivo, Di Stefano was tightly marked out the game by the defender Alvarín, “shutting him down completely”. http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/1954/10/04/pagina-4/1351466/pdf.html Goals: Xirau had given Hércules the lead at the half, but in the second period Di Stefano set up Joseito for the draw. Summary: 1 assist
La Liga Round 5 10/10/1954 Real Madrid 4-1 Málaga Stadium: Chamartín ABC Madrid headlined “Easy, but without playing great” Málaga were not a good side and it showed. This time Di Stefano “was the brilliant ball juggler of the previous season...” But it said that Real Madrid have only played one strong side so far, against Valencia when they lost. Things had to improve if they wanted to retain their crown. Although the opponent was a bottom table team, making it difficult to reach a proper conclusion, it still did not take away the fact that Di Stefano had an excellent display. It said he “was agile and quick, although he will need to still lose some weight...” He was the standout player, that controlled the game, but in general various Madrid players performed well, like Marquitos, Gento and Joseito. https://www.abc.es/archivo/periodicos/abc-madrid-19541012-37.html Mundo Deportivo coincided with ABC that Real Madrid hadn’t been tested by good sides lately and that made it difficult to judge them accordingly in that regard. An upcoming visit to Sevilla at their den would be a stiffer test to judge this Madrid team. Interestingly, in contrast to the ABC tabloids, it says that for the people that understand the game, Di Stefano did not impress, but still stood out in attack, scoring the opening goal after 8 minutes. Summary: 1 goal http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/1954/10/11/pagina-5/636765/pdf.html
Friendly 12/10/1954 Real Madrid 6-1 Rott-Weiss Stadium: Chamartín Di Stefano, Rial and Gento all shined. ABC Madrid stated that the German visiting side was “very slow” and “disappointing”. Di Stefano scored 2 goals, and Real Madrid easily defeated a team that showed no heart and “lacked imagination.” Summary: 2 goals https://www.abc.es/archivo/periodicos/abc-madrid-19541013-37.html
La Liga Round 6 17/10/1954 Sevilla 1-0 Real Madrid Stadium: Nervión, Sevilla In a defensive game Sevilla held off “Los Blancos” of Real Madrid. This time Di Stefano was held in check by the Andalusian defenders Enrique and Campanal. This was a match that the defenders stood out with only Paco Gento playing well up front for Real Madrid. It was considered an interesting match, but violent with many fouls. At one point Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, Alonso, broke his nose, but kept on. It is said that the usual tactical formations employed was a 1-3-3-4 with Di Stefano as the centre-forward. ABC Madrid headlined “In a rough and emotional game, but not played well, El Sevilla won” The only goal came after 17 minutes by Ayala. https://www.abc.es/archivo/periodicos/abc-madrid-19541019-37.html https://www.abc.es/archivo/periodicos/abc-sevilla-19541019-25.html Mundo Deportivo headlined “Match balanced for the most part with similar tactics” “Enrique shut down Di Stefano” (in reference to nullifying Madrid’s star player. Sevilla’s manager was the legendary Helenio Herrera. He assigned Enrique to shadow Di Stefano and have another defender, Campanal stay close as the last man in case Di Stefano escaped. Enrique canceled “La Saeta” out of the match which produced at moments the infamous bad temper of Di Stefano to show. Once the game was over the home fans jeered the visiting side off, in particular Di Stefano, who lacked “elegance” in his performance. http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/1954/10/18/pagina-4/638329/pdf.html
La Liga Round 7 24/10/1954 Real Madrid 3-0 Santander Stadium: Chamartín, Madrid ABC Madrid headlined “After lots of work and ugly incidents, Madrid beat the defensive bolt of Santander” ABC Sevilla stated that despite the enormous difference between both sides, considering that Santander was in last place in the standings, Di Stefano was “heavily marked and did little”. The statistics say that Real Madrid took 41 shots to Santander’s 6. The alarming difference between both sides was so apparent that Santander rarely crossed the halfway line. Di Stefano took 6 of those 41 total shots but failed to score. The forwards of Madrid struggled and the best player by the press was Lesmes. https://www.abc.es/archivo/periodicos/abc-madrid-19541026-33.html https://www.abc.es/archivo/periodicos/abc-sevilla-19541026-29.html https://www.abc.es/archivo/periodicos/abc-madrid-19541026-33.html Mundo Deportivo headlined “Victory of Madrid despite their mediocre game” Gento, Muñoz and Rial were the scorers, all in the second half. Di Stefano went unnoticed. http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/1954/10/25/pagina-5/638748/pdf.html
La Liga Round 8 31/10/1954 Alavés 2-4 Real Madrid Stadium: Mendizorroza, Alavés ABC Madrid headlined “Clear victory of Madrid over a rough and challenging Alavés” According to the text, Di Stefano stood out for his individual play and said, “Despite being shadowed, he knew how to pass the ball skillfully and demonstrated his exceptional class”. https://www.abc.es/archivo/periodicos/abc-madrid-19541102-31.html Mundo Deportivo pointed out that Real Madrid were benefited by the official and his partial decisions. It also said that Di Stefano scored 1 goal and was important because he made others around him play well. http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/1954/11/01/pagina-4/638777/pdf.html Summary: 1 goals Below a photo of that match: https://alaves.elcorreo.com/noticias/201407/08/mendizorroza-disfruto-saeta-rubia-20140707184702.html
La Liga Round 9 7/11/1954 Real Madrid 3-1 Atlético de Bilbao Stadium: Chamartín, Madrid ABC stated that two of the best teams fought it out for the top spot. For Madrid, the best player was Marquitos, “a solid defender that’s quick with imagination and smart.” It was considered an open game with Real Madrid’s 25 shots to Bilbao’s 22. Di Stefano was praised as “he made some great plays, was in the initiation of the first two goals and only needs to recover his outstanding speed.” While it’s said he was in the movement that led to the first two goals, the second one was set up directly with his pass. He took 3 shots all on target but couldn’t score. https://www.abc.es/archivo/periodicos/abc-madrid-19541106-35.html https://www.abc.es/archivo/buscador/?titulo=Di Stefano&tipo=todos&fechaDesde=1954-11-4&fechaHasta=1954-11-10 Mundo Deportivo headlined “The leader of the league lost its invincibility against the former champions of 1954 in a good game” http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/1954/11/08/pagina-4/638804/pdf.html Summary: 1 assist
La Liga Round 10 14/11/1954 Español 1-3 Real Madrid Stadium: Sarriá, Barcelona ABC Madrid: “Splendid win for Madrid who beat Español 3-0” Di Stefano scored 2 goals but what the press didn’t understand was why he was allowed to roam so freely. Once the game was over Di Stefano received a standing ovation from the home crowd of Español for his “brilliant display”. But one wonders why wasn’t he tightly marked as in other games... With this win Real Madrid took first place in the standings while Español remained in the bottom half of the table. https://www.abc.es/archivo/periodicos/abc-madrid-19541116-31.html https://www.abc.es/archivo/periodicos/abc-madrid-19541116-32.html Mundo Deportivo said this about Di Stefano: “we saw the famous Di Stefano performing back in his own defense, in one opportunity he scored the first goal (...) “We saw the amazing class of Di Stefano, as conductor of all lines, creator of plays and magnificent finisher.” After the match, Español defender Faura, who was assigned to shadow Di Stefano, spoke to the press and said this: “Di Stefano is an authentic phenom. For me the most complete player I’ve ever seen on a field. He was 90 percent of his team. With Di Stefano on our side we would have won.” Is it difficult to mark Di Stefano ? “Of course, he’s one of the most difficult to mark. But he’s an exceptional player.” Another Español player was asked, Julian Arcas: “Without Di Stefano there’s no doubt they would have not won.” Is he that good? “He’s an authentic phenomenal player, I haven’t seen anyone like him” This was the best complete game that Di Stefano had played on Barcelona fields, and the best this season thus far, which to this point had been lacking a little bit. http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/1954/11/15/pagina-8/640750/pdf.html http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/1954/11/15/pagina-4/640746/pdf.html Summary: 2 goals (1 with his left foot)