Today marks the much-anticipated El Clásico match, and it is also the anniversary of Johan Cruyff’s debut for FC Barcelona fifty years ago. On this very date in 1973, the Dutch player made his first appearance for the club. However, due to bureaucratic complications, Cruyff had to wait for two and a half months after his signing on August 13th for his debut. The football federation in the Netherlands, led by Japp Van Praag, did not approve of the transfer because it did not occur between July 1st and 31st. The Ajax president, determined to obstruct the process, delayed approval until December, but it was ultimately resolved a bit earlier.
Although he could not participate in official matches, Cruyff played in four friendly games against Club Bruges, Kickers Offenbach, Arsenal, and Ourense. These matches helped offset the transfer fee and showcased Cruyff’s skills. Finally, on October 28th, 1973, he received the green light to make his blaugrana debut at the Stadium against Granada. This date was as significant as August 13th since history was about to change.
The Start of an Unbeaten Streak with Cruyff
Prior to the match, Barça was struggling, positioned second from the bottom in the league, only ahead of Sporting Gijón. With three losses in the first seven Liga games, the team desperately needed a turning point. Fortunately, Cruyff delivered. Despite facing a tough Granada side, the Dutchman excelled and scored twice, contributing to a fantastic 4-0 victory. This triumph marked the beginning of an unbeaten streak of 26 games, ultimately leading the blaugranes to win the 1973/74 Liga title with five games remaining.
The first goal of the match was scored by De la Cruz just before halftime. Cruyff followed up with his inaugural competitive goal for Barça five minutes into the second half. He completed the 4-0 triumph by scoring his second goal in the 68th minute, after Sotil had already secured the third goal.
GAME STATS
Stadium: Camp Nou, with an attendance of 100,000 spectators.
FC Barcelona: Sadurní, Rifé, Torres, Costas, Cruz, Juan Carlos, Juanito, Asensi, Cruyff, Sotil, and Marcial.
Granada CF: Izcoa, Montero Castillo, Falito, Fernández, Toni, Santi (substituted by Cabrera in the 75th minute), Chirri, Jaén, Quiles, Dueñas (substituted by Martín in the 59th minute), and Porta.
Goals: 1-0, De la Cruz (44′). 2-0, Cruyff (50′). 3-0, Sotil (59′). 4-0, Cruyff (68′).
Referee: Soto Montesino. Fernández from Granada CF received a yellow card.
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