On this day: Aberdeen win European Cup Winners Cup

ON this day in 1983, Aberdeen defeated Real Madrid 2 - 1 in the European Cup Winners’ Cup final in Gothenburg.

Alex Ferguson (left) and Archie Knox show off the European Cup Winners' Cup in Gothenburg in 1983. Picture: SNS

17,804 spectators looked on on a rain-soaked evening in the Swedish city of Gothenburg as the Dons took on Real Madrid in the final of the 1982-83 European Cup Winner’s Cup.

Aberdeen qualified for the European Cup after beating Rangers 4 - 1 in the Scottish Cup final.

The Pittodrie side the progressed to the final after a successful campaign against Swiss team Sion, Dinamo Tirana from Albania, Polish side Lech Poznan, Bayern Munich and finally Waterschei Thor.

After taking an early lead off the boot of Eric Black, Aberdeen found themselves held to a draw by the final whistle.

It was John Hewitt’s iconic goal in 112th minute that sealed the win with Aberdeen taking its first European silverware.

For then manager Alex Ferguson, it was a feat he was to repeat again with Manchester United in 1991.