1998: Raúl the difference for Madrid
Tuesday 1 December 1998
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Raúl González was Madrid's match-winner in the 1998 final (©Getty Images)
Real Madrid CF 2-1 CR Vasco da Gama
A superb Raúl González strike eight minutes from time earned Real Madrid CF victory against Brazilian side CR Vasco da Gama as the Spanish side claimed the European/South American Cup for the first time since winning the inaugural competition in 1960.
Roberto Carlos shines
Madrid pressed from the outset, particularly down the left where Brazilian Roberto Carlos's surging runs had his compatriots back peddling. His pace and skill led to the first goal on 26 minutes, the left-back bursting past his marker before crossing into the centre where Nasa headed into his own goal. Vasco stepped up the pace after the goal but Madrid's defence held firm. Fernando Hierro was a rock at the back and his timely interception cut out Juninho Pernambucano's cross as Donizete hovered menacingly. Roberto Carlos's underhit back-pass then caused Bodo Illgner a fright and the Madrid goalkeeper was again forced into emergency action following a mix-up with Fernando Sanz early in the second half.
Juninho goal
Vasco were threatening to break through and duly levelled on 56 minutes. Luizão's shot from the left was well saved by Illgner but the rebound fell to Juninho, who crashed the ball beyond the helpless goalkeeper. The Brazilian side were in the ascendancy and both Donizete and Felipe came close before the latter drew a superb diving save from Illgner. Juninho and Mauro Galvão then combined to put Ramon clear, but he screwed his shot wide and the Brazilian side were made to pay for their profligacy within a minute. Clarence Seedorf's raking pass found Raúl, who gave further indication of his precocious talent as he coolly turned inside two defenders before slotting past Carlos Germano.
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