European Cup Final 1971-72 and 1972-73

Ajax 2 Internazionale 0

Cruyff (2)

Ajax: Stuy, Suurbier, Hulshoff, Blankenburg, Krol, Neeskens, Haan, Mühren; Swart, Cruyff, Keizer (capt)

Internazionale: Bordon, Bellugi, Burgnich, Giubertoni (Bertini), Facchetti, Bedin, Oriali, Mazzola (capt), Frustalupi, Jair (Pellizzaro), Boninsegna

Ajax were back in the final as defending champions and their opponents were the kings of catenaccio football, Inter Milan.

At half-time in Rotterdam it seemed as though the Italian tactics might prevail. Inter had sat back with only Boninsegna up front and allowed Ajax to attack them.

Just two minutes into the second half, the deadlock was finally broken. The Ajax full-backs had been getting forward and putting crosses into the penalty area throughout the match and this time it was Suurbier who sent a deep cross towards goal.

This time the Inter goalkeeper Bordon collided with his own defender Burgnich as he went for the ball. Unfortunately for the young goalkeeper the ball fell to Johan Cruyff who turned instantly and stroked the ball into an empty net to give Ajax the lead they deserved.

The game was wrapped up on 77 minutes when Cruyff headed a Keizer free-kick home to make the score 2-0and Ajax went on to retain heir title to universal approval.

1972/73

Ajax 1 Juventus 0

Rep

Ajax: Stuy, Suurbier, Hulshoff, Blankenburg, Krol, Neeskens, Haan, Muhren, Rep, Cruyff (capt), Keizer

Juventus: Zoff, Marchetti, Morini, Salvadore(capt), Longobucco, Causio (Cuccureddu), Furino, Capello, Altafini, Anastasi, Bettega (Haller)

After Inter and Ac Milan, Juventus became the 3rd Italian side to qualify for the final.

Ajax were hoping to 3-peat, thus becoming the 1st side after Real Madrid to win the trophy 3 times running.

Juve were entitled to feel confident about their chances. With the millions of the Agnelli family at their disposal, the Turin side had been able to spend a world record fee on striker Pietro Anastasi who was paired alongside former European Cup winner Jose Altafini.

With Dino Zoff in goal and Fabio Capello and Franco Causio in midfield, they had a team that would normally be more than capable of becoming European Champions.

The final in Belgrade saw Ajax confirm their claims to greatness as they strolled to victory. The 1,000th European Cup tie saw the Dutch masters begin at breakneck speed with Cruyff hitting a post after only three minutes, and Johnny Rep - the only Ajax man playing in his first final - heading Ajax into the lead just two minutes later as he rose above Marchetti at the far post to meet a cross from Blankenburg and power the ball past Dino Zoff for the opening goal.

From then on, the reigning champions remained in complete control of the game. Cruyff pulled the strings but every Ajax player was comfortable on the ball, mobile and intelligent.

Juventus, a side that relied on strong defense and counter attacks were completely unable to threaten Ajax's lead and were swept aside with contemptuous ease.

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