Futre, la Quinta del Buitre and Real Sociedad’s ferocious road to the 1988 final | OneFootball

Real Sociedad’s road to the 1988 final ran through Paulo Futre’s Atlético and Real Madrid’s Quinta del Buitre, capped by a 0-4 in Chamartín.

According to Diario Vasco, football in the 1980s was unforgiving on and off the pitch. As defending champions, La Real drew Atlético in the quarters and Madrid in the semis.

Fresh from Porto’s 1987 European Cup, Futre joined Atlético as a volatile match winner. Previously discarded by John Toshack at Sporting, a slight he later said hurt, he then decided a Bernabéu derby with a win that drew a one million pesetas promise per player from Jesús Gil.

The first leg with Atlético ended 2-1, Begiristain scoring late to keep La Real alive. The return at Atotxa on 21 January 1988 finished 3-1, Loren and Begiristain scoring early and Rekarte adding another before Julio Salinas replied. Coach César Luis Menotti was soon sacked live on air.

Next came Madrid’s la Quinta del Buitre, a side lionised for exploits and excess. La Real won the Atotxa first leg 1-0 through José Mari Bakero.

In the Bernabéu, Arconada stood firm before Alberto Gorriz struck. La Real then overwhelmed the hosts, Bakero, Begiristain and Bakero again completing a 0-4 to appreciative applause. Toshack said he hoped the press would not be too harsh on Madrid, noting they had faced a great Real Sociedad.

After ousting Atlético and Real Madrid, a final with Barcelona seemed within reach.

Source: Diario Vasco