Anfield marks a turning point in the history of Spanish football by honoring one of its greatest strikers and a true white legend.
During the first leg of the 2022-23 Champions League round of 16 between Liverpool and Real Madrid, a minute of quiet reflection was observed at Anfield to remember Amancio Amaro.
ALL ABOUT LIVERPOOL VS. REAL MADRID IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2022-2023
Why a minute of silence at Liverpool vs. Real Madrid and who was Amancio Amaro
The football world learned with sadness that Amancio Amaro, a towering figure in Real Madrid history and in Spanish football, had passed away. The former honorary president of Real Madrid died at the age of 82, leaving behind a lasting legacy that transcends generations.
At Anfield, the Reds’ home ground, officials authorized a solemn minute of silence before kickoff, a gesture supported by UEFA to honor Amancio. Black armbands worn by Spanish players underscored the tribute and the memory of a legend who helped shape the sport.
Liverpool icon Sir Kenny Dalglish also prepared to lay a wreath for Real Madrid supporters as a mark of respect for Amancio Amaro.
Amancio Amaro Valera was born on October 16, 1939, in La Coruña, Galicia. He starred for Real Madrid as a player and later coached the club and its Castilla team, contributing to the development of future generations and the famous era later known as La Quinta del Buitre.
In 1966, he helped Real Madrid lift the European Cup at Heysel Stadium in Brussels, scoring Madrid’s opening goal in a historic final against Partizan Belgrade. That triumph became part of Real Madrid’s celebrated ye-ye era.
Over his time with Real Madrid, Amancio collected nine league titles and three Spanish Cups. He appeared in 471 competitive games for the club and netted 155 goals, achieving the status of a top scorer in the league on two occasions.
On the international stage, Amancio earned 42 caps for Spain and helped the national team win the European Championship in 1964 at the Bernabéu. He was also named to the FIFA World XI that faced Brazil in 1968 at the Maracanã, recognizing his global impact on the game.
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