BBC Scotland is set to air a documentary covering Aberdeen FC’s remarkable run to European Cup Winners’ Cup glory in 1983, four decades on from the historic achievement.
The hour-long film – Aberdeen ‘83: Once in a Lifetime – contains interviews with many of the key figures involved in the title win, including manager Sir Alex Ferguson, captain Willie Miller and other former players.
David Harron, executive producer for BBC Scotland, said:
“This was a seminal moment in the history of Scottish club football. Sir Alex Ferguson built Aberdeen into a formidable force in the domestic competitions before taking on Europe. His reflections on the campaign are among the many highlights in this archive-rich celebration of an unparalleled triumph for the club.
“It’s fascinating to hear the inside track from a squad that was packed full of great players, while fans who followed the team throughout the season also share their recollections of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
After winning the Scottish Cup in 1981-82, Aberdeen qualified for the 1982-83 European Cup Winners’ Cup, defeating Switzerland’s Sion, Albania’s Dinamo Tirana and Poland’s Lech Poznan in the early rounds.
The Dons then dispatched German giants Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals before knocking out Belgian side Waterscheir Thor to set up a final showdown with Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid, eventually clinching a famous 2-1 victory over Los Blancos.
Not only does the documentary feature former coaches and players, but it also features interviews with fans who followed the team on the European adventure, which finished with the Scottish underdogs overcoming the Spanish titans.
James Craggs, the film’s director said:
“This has been one of the most satisfying stories we’ve told to date. We knew it was one of football’s most incredible stories but didn’t realise quite how much until we spoke with Sir Alex, Archie Knox and the players. Aberdeen FC achieving what they did under Sir Alex will never happen again and that story makes this film one of our proudest yet.”
Aberdeen ‘83: Once in a Lifetime will premiere on Thursday, May 11 at 22:00. Fans can watch the documentary on the BBC Scotland channel and iPlayer.
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