Aberdeen captain Willie Miller lifts the European Cup Winners' Cup in Gothenburg. Image: Shutterstock.
It was the night that changed the history of Aberdeen Football Club forever.
The Dons travelled to Gothenburg to take on Spanish giants Real Madrid in the European Cup Winners’ Cup final on May 11, 1983.
A first-half goal from Eric Black and an iconic header from John Hewitt in extra time were enough to seal the trophy for the Dons and an immortal nickname and status for the team: The Gothenburg Greats.
Here we have a look at some of the best moments from the final, the build up to the game and the celebrations that followed.
Gothenburg Heroes: John Hewitt heads home the Aberdeen winner during extra time. Aberdeen beat the mighty Real Madrid 2-1, after extra time, in the final of the European Cup Winners Cup on a rainy night in Gothenburg on May 11, 1983.
Gothenburg Heroes: Aberdeen’s John Hewitt jumps for joy after scoring the Dons extra-time winner. Aberdeen beat the mighty Real Madrid 2-1, after extra time, in the final of the European Cup Winners Cup on a rainy night in Gothenburg on May 11, 1983.
Gothenburg Heroes: Mark McGhee just fails to connect with the ball during this goalmouth scramble. Aberdeen beat the mighty Real Madrid 2-1, after extra time, in the final of the European Cup Winners Cup on a rainy night in Gothenburg on May 11, 1983.
Gothenburg Heroes: Neale Cooper chases a loose ball as the Dons cause panic in the Real defence. Aberdeen beat the mighty Real Madrid 2-1, after extra time, in the final of the European Cup Winners Cup on a rainy night in Gothenburg on May 11, 1983.
Gothenburg Heroes: The Dons’ players pose for the cameras. Aberdeen beat the mighty Real Madrid 2-1, after extra time, in the final of the European Cup Winners Cup on a rainy night in Gothenburg on May 11, 1983.
Gothenburg Heroes: The Dons’ bench react to an incident during the game. Aberdeen beat the mighty Real Madrid 2-1, after extra time, in the final of the European Cup Winners Cup on a rainy night in Gothenburg on May 11, 1983.
Gothenburg Heroes: Tensions run high on the Dons bench during the game. Aberdeen beat the mighty Real Madrid 2-1, after extra time, in the final of the European Cup Winners Cup on a rainy night in Gothenburg on May 11, 1983.
Willie Miller is presented with the trophy. SNS
Dons supporters at the Cowdray Hall, Aberdeen, ready for the long coach trip to Gothenburg.
The Dons players line up before the start of the game at the Ullevi Stadium, Gothenburg.
Dons manager Alex Ferguson shows the European Cup-Winners Cup to fans from the St Clair when it docked in Aberdeen.
Gallery: The Gothenburg Greats – pictures from the night Real Madrid were humbled by Alex Ferguson’s Dons
