Manchester United became the first English club to win the European Cup, defeating Benfica 4–1 after extra time at Wembley in 1968.
Key Facts
- Final score
- Manchester United 4–1 Benfica (AET)
- Attendance
- 92,225
- Venue
- Wembley Stadium, London
- Bobby Charlton goals
- 2 (54th and 99th minute)
- Brian Kidd goal
- Scored on his 19th birthday
- Benfica European Cup finals
- 5th final, 2 previously won
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Both Manchester United and Benfica qualified for the 1968 European Cup final by progressing through four rounds of two-legged knockout ties. It was Benfica's fifth European Cup final, having won two previously, while it was Manchester United's first appearance in the final.
Played at Wembley Stadium on 29 May 1968 before 92,225 spectators, the match was goalless at half-time. Bobby Charlton headed United ahead before Graça equalised in the 79th minute, forcing extra time. Manchester United then scored three goals in seven minutes through George Best, Brian Kidd, and Charlton again, winning 4–1.
Manchester United became the first English club to win the European Cup. The victory was widely seen as a milestone for English football, cementing the reputations of manager Matt Busby and players including Bobby Charlton and George Best on the European stage.