Snap shot: Bayern's first European Cup winners
Sunday, May 1, 2016
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It took a replay for Bayern to get the better of Atlético in the 1974 European Cup final; as the teams meet again, we focus on their Brussels celebrations.
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Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck's late strike in Brussels earned Bayern a second chance against Atlético, as the 1974 European Champion Clubs' Cup final went to a replay.
The Spanish team buckled in the rematch 48 hours later, Uli Hoeness scoring twice either side of two tidy Gerd Müller finishes. It was the first time Bayern had lifted the biggest prize in club football, but far from the last; they won it again in 1975 and 1976, becoming the first club since Real Madrid in the competition's early years to take three in a row.
1. Sepp Maier
Always one to lift dressing-room spirits ("a goalkeeper needs to exude a sense of calm – and make sure he doesn't fall asleep," he joked), the man named Germany's Goalkeeper of the Century was a huge asset on the pitch too. Frustrating opponents with cat-like reflexes, Maier set the bar high for future Germany No1s, and cemented his legend when he famously attempted to catch a disruptive duck that strolled into his box. Later mentored another great glovesman Oliver Kahn as goalkeeping coach with Germany and Bayern.
2. Uli Hoeness
Forced to retire at 27, Hoeness's playing career was short but sweet. Between 1971 and 1976 he crammed in three Bundesliga titles and three European Cups with Bayern, also helping West Germany win the 1972 UEFA European Championship and the 1974 FIFA World Cup. There might have been a second EURO in 1976 had the forward not fired his penalty over in the final shoot-out. Hoeness became Bayern general manager but, in 2014, was jailed for tax evasion. Released on parole earlier in 2016, he now works with the club's youth department.
3. Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck
The tough, physical foil to the elegant Franz Beckenbauer in the 1970s Bayern and West Germany defences, Schwarzenbeck amassed 44 caps from 1971 to 1978. Famously described as "half-man, half-beast" by one Dutch journalist, Schwarzenbeck was ever-present in the 1972 EURO and 1974 World Cup successes. His rugged physique and low profile made him a cult figure among fans. After hanging up his boots he ran a modest stationery shop in Munich prior to retiring in 2009.
4. Franz Roth
A Bayern hero. Labelled 'The Bull' for his physical strength, Roth made life hell for opposing playmakers yet had other qualities as well. Remembered for making it 1-0 to Bayern in three European finals, Roth's shot was so fierce that he once tore a net, and the defensive midfielder ended his career with a very respectable tally of 91 goals. Hung up his boots in the mid-1980s and began a sports retail business.
5. Johnny Hansen
Brought to the Bundesliga by Nürnberg, the Danish defender switched to Bayern in 1970 and spent six successful years there. Called upon to fill in the gaps whenever Beckenbauer ventured forward, he was famed for timing his tackles to perfection. Returned to his first club Vejle where he picked up a league title and a cup before returing from football. Then worked in the city administration in Vejle until retiring a few years back.
6. Conny Torstensson
Having reportedly worn red boots for the occasion to impress club officials, Torstensson was signed after hitting a hat-trick against Bayern for Åtvidabergs in the first round of the 1973/74 European Cup – a tie Bayern edged on penalties. The Swede ended up winning the competition with Bayern that season, and again in 1975 and 1976; his ten goals in 21 continental outings earned him the nickname 'Mr European Cup' at Bayern. After retirement, he worked for Åtvidabergs for a while, but made better use of his engineering degree in a long career in the graphics industry.
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