Remembering Real Madrid stalwart Pachín

Real Madrid are mourning the loss of former defender Enrique Pérez Díaz, known as Pachín, who has passed away at the age of 82.

He was a mainstay of the Madrid side in the 1960s, and played a key role in the teams that won the European Champion Clubs' Cup in 1960 and 1966.

Renowned for his defensive ability and versatility, Pachín could play across the back line and even in midfield - qualities which persuaded Madrid to sign him from CA Osasuna in 1959. He stayed at the club until 1968, when he joined Betis.

Key defender

Pachín came into a Madrid team that was the toast of Europe, winning the European Champion Clubs’ Cup five times in succession between 1956 and 1960. He featured in the 1960 final when Madrid swept to a memorable 7-3 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in Glasgow, and starred again when the Spanish giants regained the trophy six years later thanks to a 2-1 success against FK Partizan in Brussels.

Pachín was also on the losing side for Madrid in two Champion Clubs' Cup finals - in 1962, when they were beaten 5-3 by Benfica in Amsterdam, and in 1964, when Inter Milan triumphed 3-1 in Vienna.

During his nine seasons with Madrid, he played 218 matches, winning seven Liga titles, one Intercontinental Cup and a Spanish Cup.

Pachín was also a Spanish international, earning eight caps and representing his country at the 1962 FIFA World Cup in Chile.