Copa del Rey 1910: The Year of Two Champions
The year 1910 stands as one of the most peculiar chapters in the history of Spanish football. Rather than a single tournament, the Copa del Rey was split into two separate competitions held in the same calendar year. This unusual schism was born from disagreements between the reigning champions, Club Ciclista de San Sebastián, and several other invited clubs.
The conflict resulted in the creation of two parallel tournaments: an "official" competition organized by the newly formed Federación Española de Clubs de Football (FECF)—the precursor to the modern Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF)—and an "unofficial" competition organized by the Unión Española de Clubs de Football (UECF). Despite the initial divide, the RFEF currently recognizes both tournaments as official parts of the competition's history.
Key Facts
- Two Tournaments: Disagreements led to the FECF and UECF organizing separate competitions in 1910.
- UECF Winner: Athletic Bilbao secured their third title.
- FECF Winner: FC Barcelona won their first-ever title.
- Historic Kit: Athletic Bilbao is believed to have worn their iconic red-and-white striped jerseys for the first time during the UECF tournament.
- Official Status: Both competitions are now recognized as official by the RFEF.
The Copa UECF (Unión Española de Clubs de Football)
The UECF competition took place in San Sebastián from March 19 to March 21, 1910. This tournament served as the 8th edition of the Spanish Cup. It featured a compact group stage where Athletic Bilbao emerged victorious, claiming their third title in the competition's history.
The decisive match saw Athletic Bilbao defeat Vasconia 1–0, with the winning goal scored by Remigio Iza. Beyond the result, this tournament is historically significant for Athletic Bilbao's attire; the club had recently imported a set of red-and-white striped jerseys from England, which they wore during this competition. A similar set was also imported for their sister club, which would later become known as Atletico Madrid.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
UECF Tournament Results
- March 19: Athletic Bilbao 2–0 Madrid FC (Goals: Remigio Iza, Martyn Veitch)
- March 20: Athletic Bilbao 1–0 Vasconia (Goal: Remigio Iza)
- March 21: Vasconia 2–0 Madrid FC (Goals: George McGuinness 2)
The Copa FECF (Federación Española de Clubs de Football)
The FECF competition, regarded as the 9th edition of the cup, was held in Madrid from May 24 to May 26, 1910. This tournament marked a milestone for FC Barcelona, who lifted the trophy for the first time in their history.
Barcelona's path to victory included a dominant 5–0 opening win over Deportivo. The final match against Español de Madrid was a dramatic affair; despite conceding two early goals to Vicente Buylla, Barcelona staged a second-half comeback to win 3–2. The comeback goals were provided by Charles Wallace, Carles Comamala, and Pepe Rodríguez.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
FECF Tournament Results
- May 24: FC Barcelona 5–0 Deportivo (Goals: Percy Wallace, Carles Comamala, Romà Forns, Charles Wallace, Pepe Rodríguez)
- May 25: Español de Madrid 1–0 Deportivo (Goal: Armando Giralt)
- May 26: Español de Madrid 2–3 FC Barcelona (Goals: Vicente Buylla 2; Charles Wallace, Carles Comamala, Pepe Rodríguez)
1910 Competition Summary
The following table provides a comparative overview of the two competitions held during the 1910 season.
| Feature | Copa UECF | Copa FECF |
|---|---|---|
| Organizer | Unión Española de Clubs de Football | Federación Española de Clubs de Football |
| Location | San Sebastián | Madrid |
| Dates | March 19–21 | May 24–26 |
| Champion | Athletic Bilbao | FC Barcelona |
| Runners-up | Vasconia | Español de Madrid |
| Top Scorer | R. Iza & G. McGuinness (2 goals each) | Carles Comamala (4 goals) |
| Total Goals | 5 | 14 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were there two different Copa del Rey tournaments in 1910?
The split occurred due to disagreements between the reigning champions, Club Ciclista de San Sebastián, and other invited clubs, leading to the organization of two parallel competitions by the UECF and the FECF.
Which team won the "official" FECF tournament?
FC Barcelona won the FECF tournament, marking the first time in the club's history that they lifted the trophy.
What is the significance of Athletic Bilbao's kit in 1910?
The UECF tournament is believed to be the first time Athletic Bilbao wore their famous red-and-white striped jerseys, which had been imported from England.
Does the RFEF recognize both 1910 winners?
Yes, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) currently recognizes both the UECF and FECF competitions as official.
Who was the top scorer of the FECF competition?
Carles Comamala was the top scorer of the FECF tournament, netting a total of 4 goals.