A favourable 18 April precedent for Real Sociedad against Atlético | OneFootball

For Real supporters, 18 April is the dream date to return to a final with fans after 38 years, and to chase the trophy. According to Diario Vasco, there is only one previous official meeting with Atlético on that date and the memory is encouraging.

In 1976, matchday 31, Josean Irulegui’s side drew 2-2 at the Manzanares, ending a run of 14 straight away defeats there. Atlético, then in a golden spell with titles in 1973 and 1977 and the 1974 Intercontinental after a replayed European final, were second in the table.

Real, ninth and growing after a recent UEFA Cup tie with Liverpool, produced a superb first half on the counter. Muruzábal finished a break created with Satrústegui for 0-1, and López Ufarte was wiped out when clean through with no card shown to Panadero Díaz. The advantage could have been greater at the break.

After the restart, Satrústegui made it 0-2 following a mistake by Tirapu. Leivinha’s header on 66 pulled one back, then chances for López Ufarte and Satrústegui went begging. Baena levelled from a Heredia cross.

Away wins were rare on disparate pitches, and that season Real triumphed only in Zaragoza, 0-1, and Salamanca, 1-2. The cruellest moment came in the final minute when Javier Elkoro suffered a double tibia and fibula fracture in an accidental clash with Salcedo, later requiring surgery at Clínica San Antonio.

Several future champions were already in the XI, among them Arconada, Kortabarria, Olaizola, Diego, Zamora and Satrústegui, alongside seasoned figures such as Gorriti, Martínez, Urreisti and Gaztelu. The draw was an early signal of the Real that would follow, and it leaves a precedent to savour for the next 18 April.

Source: Diario Vasco