It was the club's first absence in the European Cup. The team played the 7th final in Europe, a record at the time,[3] first a draw 1–1 after extra time,[4] and then, lost the 1971 European Cup Winners' Cup Final trophy against Chelsea F.C. 1–2 in the replay in Piraeus[5] closing the first trophy-less season since the 1952–53 campaign. After 18 years as club player, clinching 12 league titles, 2 Copa del Generalísimo and 6 European Cups Francisco Gento is retired at the end of this season.[6]
Squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.