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Major Historical Events
- 1943 – Real Madrid’s 11–1 win over Barcelona
In the Copa del Generalísimo semi-final second leg, Real Madrid overturned a 3–0 first-leg deficit to thrash Barcelona 11–1 at Chamartín.
Why it matters: Still the largest ever Clásico margin, this match cemented Madrid’s dominance in Spanish football. - 1956 – Real Madrid wins first European Cup
At the Parc des Princes in Paris, Real staged a dramatic fightback from 2–0 down to beat Stade de Reims 4–3. Rial, Di Stéfano and Marquitos sealed the victory.
Why it matters: This triumph launched Real Madrid’s legendary European legacy. - 2000 & 2004 – Euro comebacks
On this day, Yugoslavia (2000) and France (2004) both pulled memorable comebacks in UEFA European Championship group stages.
Why it matters: They showed how momentum can define tournament campaigns. - Formation of MKS Cracovia Kraków (1907)
The historic Polish club was founded on June 13, later becoming five‑time national champions.
Why it matters: Cracovia remains one of Poland’s oldest and most respected clubs.
Notable Player Birthdays
- Kingsley Coman (1996) – French winger, known for pace and key goals with Bayern Munich and PSG.
- Thomas Partey (1993) – Ghanaian midfielder, strong presence for Arsenal and national team.
- Keisuke Honda (1986) – Japanese playmaker, led his country through World Cups.
- Alan Hansen (1955) – Scottish defender and later pundit, key part of Liverpool’s 1980s domination.
Memorable Moments
- “Hand of God” saved by history—June 13
While the infamous Diego Maradona “Hand of God” occurred in ’86, on June 13 the debate and analysis persist, shaping football’s relationship with VAR and fair play. - 2000/2004 European Championship turnarounds
As noted above, these group-stage comebacks are cited among Euro folklore for resilience and tactical shifts.
Closing Trivia & Quote
Trivia: More than 80 years after their dramatic 11–1 win, Madrid’s 1956 European Cup comeback is still considered one of the greatest matches in club football.
Quote: “It isn’t the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” —Mark Twain. Fitting for those legendary comebacks on this day.