Justified satisfaction in Madrid

In September 1962, Hibernians left Malta for Madrid like lambs on their way to slaughter. That season, the Maltese cup winners were paired with Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.

It was only the second season of European football for Maltese clubs and the local teams had not yet got over the inferiority complex these games instilled in them.

Hibs lost 4-0 in Madrid but this was considered to be a little less than victory. Although local teams were always willing to give the foreigners a good run for their money at home, they feared the worst when playing away from the islands.

In this atmosphere of self-doubt and lack of confidence, Hibs' defensive play was described by The Times of Malta as having worked perfectly.

The newspaper also remarked that the expected torrent of goals was limited only to a trickle and that Hibs did the Maltese game a world of good by achieving such a respectable result against a team worth just about a thousand times more than their modest opponents.

While most of this was true, there was certainly no glory in a 4-0 defeat.

However, such comments serve to highlight the mentality of the Maltese in those early days of European club football.

Hibs' chances had been written off even before they travelled to Spain. In this respect however, Hibs silenced their critics by producing a neat and disciplined performance.

There is no doubt that the Paolites fared much better than expected, especially when one takes into consideration the fact that two of the four goals could perhaps have been avoided. One goal came from a penalty and the other an own goal.

The Spaniards used all the tricks of the game to steal an advantage.

Only hours before kick-off, the pitch was purposely watered, making it very difficult for the Maltese, used as they were to the hard ground of the stadium. Moreover, the appointed Italian referee was replaced at the last moment by a Portuguese official of Spanish origins without, it seems, the knowledge of UEFA.

Hibs, knowing their limitations, adopted a defensive plan and, despite facing unrelenting pressure, gave a very creditable performance.

The Hibs' officials were, to say the least, delighted with the defensive display put up by their team in Madrid. Hibs' trainer, Englishman J. Davidson, had this to say about his team.

'It was simply wonderful. Unused to the lights, unused to the ground and to the 50,000 crowd present - but our boys were magnificent. It could also have been a better result. The own goal was an unlucky affair and we were treated harshly by the referee in the penalty award.'

Hibernians FC president Carmelo Baluci said:

'It was a terrific defensive display. The defensive plan was carried out to the least detail. Our boys were marvellous.'

Finally, Dr J. Fenech, the MFA council member who accompanied Hibs in Madrid, said that Freddie Mizzi's goalkeeping display was the greatest he had ever seen.

Mizzi, he said, was the pillar of strength in a cast-iron defence.

In the return match, the tables were turned. This time Hibs were in their element on the hard surface of the stadium.

The Spaniards were never allowed to settle down. However, luck deserted the underdogs.

Shots by Leli Sultana and Frans Xuereb hit the woodwork with the Spanish goalkeeper beaten and then a seemingly harmless corner was misjudged by Hibs, allowing Miguel Jones to score the only goal of the match.

Hibs were out of the competition at the first hurdle but they left with their heads held high.

For the record

September 24, 1962 - Madrid
European Cup Winners' Cup

Atletico Madrid vs Hibs 4-0
A. Madrid: Madinabeytia, Rodriguez, Calleja, Ramiro, Cbuzu, Glaria, Jones, Medina, Mendoza, Aderlardo, Collar.

Hibs: A. Mizzi, J. Privitera, S. Gatt, J. Attard, L. Attard, L. Theobald, L. Sultana, E. Theobald, J. Mizzi, F. Xuereb, V. Cassar.

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