Today sees the first El Clasico of the season, and half a century ago, Johan Cruyff made his competitive debut for FC Barcelona on the same day. The Dutchman had to wait two and a half months to make his debut after his signing was agreed on 13 August 1973, this was because the football federation in the Netherlands, led by Jaap Van Praag, did not agree with the player’s transfer. As it should have happened between 1st and 31st July. The Ajax chairman made every possible effort to hinder the work and it looked as if approval would not be granted until December, before it was some time before that was resolved.
Even though he could not play in competitive games, Cruyff took part in four friendly matches against Club Bruges, Kickers Offenbach, Arsenal and Ourense, which helped begin paying the transfer fee. He was eventually given the green light to make his Blaugrana debut at the stadium on 28 October 1973 against Granada. On a date as important as 13th August, history has changed since then.
First unbeaten in 26 games with Cruyff
Barça came into the game second from bottom in the league, ahead of only Sporting Gijón, having lost three of the first seven Liga games. The home fans had high expectations from Cruyff and he did not disappoint. Facing a very struggling Granada team, the Dutchman scored with two as part of a massive 4–0 win that saw the Blaugranas remain unbeaten for the first time in a 26-game spell that saw the Blaugranas finish in the 1973/74 Liga with five games to spare. Won the title. Go.
De la Cruz got the first goal just before half time. Cruyff scored his first competitive goal for Barça five minutes after the break and followed up Sottil’s third goal with his second in the 68th minute to seal a 4–0 win.
sports statistics
stadium: Camp Nou, attendance 100,000.
FC Barcelona: Sadurni, Rafay, Torres, Costas, Cruz, Juan Carlos, Juanito, Asensi, Cruyff, Sottil and Martial.
Granada CF: Izkoa, Monteiro Castillo, Falito, Fernandez, Toni, Santi (Cabrera 75′), Chirri, Jan, Quiles, Duenas (Martin 59′) and Porta.
Target:1-0, de la Cruz (44′). 2-0, Cruyff (50′). 3-0, Sottil (59′). 4-0, Cruyff (68′).
Punch:Sotto Montesinos. Yellow card for Fernandez from Granada CF.
