Saturday, November 9, 2024

History of the Spanish League: The decade of years 90

Last update October 4, 2024 by Alberto Llopis

The decade of the 90 It was a crucial period in the history of the Spanish League, marking a before and after in the way in which football is perceived in Spain and in the world. Because the years 90 They were a real feast for football. With a rise in competitiveness, the arrival of international stars and an explosion in media interest, The league established itself as one of the most prestigious on the planet.

History of the League: The spectacular decade of years 90

The dominance of FC Barcelona

At the beginning of the decade and until the middle of it, the FC Barcelona He became the main protagonist of Spanish football. came in the 1950's Johan Cruyff, and his Dream Team, The team implemented its famous style of play known as “total football” very based on the Netherlands of the 74 of which Johan himself, was a star.

Dream Team
Laudrup, Stoichkov and Koeman formed a fancy hat trick in the Dream Team (Pinterest)

With emblematic figures such as Ronald Koeman, Pep Guardiola, Michael Laudrup, Hristo Stoichkov Y Romário among others, Barça achieved an impressive number of titles, including the League on several consecutive occasions and the first European Cup of Barcelona in 1992, consolidating itself as a giant of European football. The relationship between Cruyff and his players was fundamental, creating an environment that allowed the flourishing of a talent that would become a legend.

That's how it would be until 1995 when Real Madrid broke the culé dominance. One year later, in 1996, Cruyff's cycle at Barcelona would end, leaving his Dream Team and his legacy of work during 7 years.

Real Madrid: The resurrection of the giant

On the other hand, the Real Madrid underwent a renewal process that culminated in the second half of the decade. Although the decade began with difficulties, in 1995 reemerged winning the League with Jorge Valdano with Laudrup, Raul, Round and above all Amavisca and Zamorano as protagonists. For many, that season was the last of the old football in the League history.

Amavisca and Zamorano
Amavisca and Zamorano formed a lethal couple in 1995. PHOTO: marca.com

However in the 1995-96, got stuck watching worst Real Madrid in modern history that he was not able to reach even a European competition. This marked a tremendous turning point in the white club with the arrival of figures such as Roberto Carlos, Davor Šuker, Clarence Seedorf Y Pedja Mijatovic among others, revitalized the club. First with Fabio Capello and then with Jupp Heynckes.

historical Seventh European Cup in 1998 against Juventus with a goal precisely from Mijatovic, marked Madrid's resurgence on the international stage. This victory not only restored confidence in the team, but he changed the club from top to bottom. Then the Madrid of the Galacticos and the multiple Champions League would arrive.. But that's another decade.

Atletico Madrid 1995-96: The Double of Success

The Atlético de Madrid of the season 1995-96 He has become a reference in the history of the club, thanks to his amazing performance and the work of his coach, Radomir Antic. In a season marked by competitiveness, Atlético managed to win the double, raising it a lot League as the Copa del Rey.

The Magic of Radomir Antic

Antic arrived at Atlético at a crucial moment, providing a fresh vision and a tactical approach that revitalized a team that had been suffering to achieve permanence during 2 years in a row. His ability to unite players and foster a fighting spirit was critical to the team's success.. under his direction, Atlético became a solid team that was difficult to beat.

The Star: Milinko Pantić

In the heart of the team it shone Milinko Pantić, a Serbian midfielder whose influence was crucial to Atlético's success. With his exceptional talent, vision of the game and above all a glove on his right leg for fouls and penalties, Pantić became the driving force of the team, creating numerous scoring opportunities, scoring important goals and providing a large number of assists.

His ability to read the game and his refined technique allowed him to connect perfectly with his teammates.. Pantić was not only a master in distributing the ball, but he also knew how to appear at decisive moments, becoming a key scorer in several games, like the final of the Copa del Rey in Zaragoza against Barcelona.

league history: Pantic goal in the Cup final 1996
Pantic scored the goal in the final of 1996 between Atlético and Barcelona in Zaragoza. PHOTO: https://www.panenka.org/

And all this after arriving by surprise and being a total stranger. So much so that few understood the disbursement of 50 million pesetas for a footballer who already had 29 years and that he was a stranger. He became one of The best players in the history of Atlético de Madrid.

Key players of the season

In addition to Pantic, The team had other outstanding talents. Lubo Penev, a Bulgarian striker who arrived after many years at Valencia CF, contributed crucial goals; Saints Dénia, a committed and versatile defender; Y Roberto Fresnedoso, a midfielder with vision of the game who became the number one player 12. In the goal, Molina It was essential and vital for the team. And of course, the claw of Simeone, that later, years later, would become the best coach in the history of Atlético de Madrid.

Other pillars of the team were José Luis Pérez Caminero, a talented midfielder who became the driving force of the team, connecting defense with attack and Kiko Narváez who experienced his 'prime' as a player those years at Atlético de Madrid. Both were 2 of the team's stars along with Pantic.

The Season of Success

Atlético de Madrid started the season with clear ambitions. From the beginning, showed impressive performance in the league, establishing itself as a strong contender. The excitement came at the end of the campaign, when the team managed to secure the League title, rekindling the passion of your hobby.

But the real climax came in the Copa del Rey, where Atlético faced the Barcelona in an exciting final played in the Romareda of Zaragoza. The team, supported by thousands of fans, achieved a memorable victory with a goal from Pantic, sealing his place in history with a double that still resonates in Atlético's history.

A New Rival: Deportivo de La Coruña

As the decade progressed, new rivals emerged. The Deportivo La Coruna, with its historic league title in the 2000 and his runner-up in 1994, represented a change in the narrative of Spanish football. This team, known as “SuperDepor”, brought a new dynamic to the competition, challenging the giants and showing that talent was found throughout Spain, not only in the biggest clubs.

History of the League: Arsenio Iglesias and Superdepor
Arsenio Iglesias was the father of Superdepor. PHOTOMONTAGE: Football retro

With Baby, Mauro Silva, Donato, Fran, Claudio and first with Arsenio Iglesias, the father of SuperDepor and after Jabo Irureta, passing through Toshack, The club went from being a Second Division team to one of the greats in Spain and then in Europe.

The A Coruña team reached third place in the season 1992-93, the runner-up in the 1993-94 and went King's Cup champion 1995 and the last league of the decade, the one of the season 1999-2000.

The Impact of Television and Sponsorships

Years 90 saw exponential growth in media coverage of football. The arrival of new television platforms and the globalization of sport made the Spanish League reach unprecedented audiences.

Television rights began to generate significant income for clubs, allowing teams to not only invest in quality players (and also in players of dubious quality), but also in infrastructure and training. This was crucial for the development of youth football in Spain, that would see the fruits in the following decades with the arrival of Euro Cups and World Cups to the showcases of Spanish football. A) Yes, along with the Bosman Law, was born League of stars 1996-97.

The league of stars,  league history

The internationalization of Spanish football

During this period, Spanish football not only grew in popularity, but also began to attract internationally renowned players. Big stars joined the ranks of Spanish teams, raising the level of competition. The arrival of these players not only increased the level of play, but also expanded the fan base, drawing global attention to the Spanish League.

The decade of 1990 It was a golden period for the Spanish League, characterized by intense rivalry, the emergence of new stars and unprecedented commercial growth. These years not only laid the foundations for the future of Spanish football, but they also left a pleasant memory in generations that are already beginning to get older.. The competitiveness and spectacle of this era continue to be remembered as a highlight in the rich history of Spanish football..

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