1957 Copa del Generalísimo: FC Barcelona's 13th Title Triumph
The 1957 Copa del Generalísimo, the 55th edition of Spain's premier knockout football competition (now known as the Copa del Rey), stands as a testament to the dominance of FC Barcelona during the mid-20th century. Spanning from April 28 to June 16, 1957, the tournament featured 16 of Spain's top teams battling for national glory in a high-scoring campaign.
[no image available]
Key Facts
- Champion: FC Barcelona (their 13th title).
- Runner-up: RCD Español.
- Total Matches: 30 games played.
- Goal Average: 90 goals scored, averaging 3 goals per match.
- Duration: April 28, 1957, to June 16, 1957.
Tournament Progression
The Round of 16
The competition opened with 16 teams competing in two-legged ties. FC Barcelona made an immediate statement of intent by dismantling Club Atlético de Madrid with a massive 13–3 aggregate score, including a dominant 8–1 victory in the second leg. Other notable results included Real Madrid CF's 5–1 aggregate win over UD Las Palmas and RCD Español's 3–0 sweep of Club Atlético de Bilbao.
A tight encounter between Real Zaragoza CD and Real Sociedad de Fútbol ended in a 1–1 aggregate draw, necessitating a tiebreaker match which Real Sociedad won 1–0 to advance.
Quarter-finals and Semi-finals
The intensity increased in the quarter-finals, where FC Barcelona continued their scoring streak, defeating Real Madrid CF 8–3 on aggregate. RCD Español edged past RC Celta de Vigo 3–2, while Valencia CF and Real Sociedad de Fútbol secured their spots in the final four with aggregate wins of 4–1 and 7–1, respectively.
In the semi-finals, RCD Español overcame Valencia CF with a 2–1 aggregate score. Meanwhile, FC Barcelona delivered another crushing performance, defeating Real Sociedad de Fútbol 10–2 on aggregate to secure their place in the final.
The Grand Final
The final took place on June 16, 1957, pitting the offensive powerhouse FC Barcelona against the resilient RCD Español. In a closely contested match, FC Barcelona emerged victorious with a 1–0 win, securing their 13th Spanish Cup title.
[no image available]
Tournament Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Edition | 55th |
| Country | Spain |
| Total Teams | 16 |
| Total Goals | 90 |
| Winner | FC Barcelona |
| Final Score | 1–0 (vs RCD Español) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 1957 Copa del Generalísimo?
FC Barcelona won the tournament, marking their 13th title in the competition.
Which team did FC Barcelona defeat in the final?
FC Barcelona defeated RCD Español with a final score of 1–0.
How many goals were scored in total during the tournament?
A total of 90 goals were scored across 30 matches, resulting in an average of 3 goals per game.
What was the most lopsided result in the tournament?
FC Barcelona's 13–3 aggregate victory over Club Atlético de Madrid in the Round of 16 was one of the most significant margins, alongside their 10–2 semi-final win over Real Sociedad de Fútbol.
When did the 1957 tournament take place?
The competition began on April 28, 1957, and concluded with the final on June 16, 1957.