Intercontinental Cup – The Journey to the World Crown

The Intercontinental Cup, the predecessor of today's FIFA Club World Cup, was the world's most prestigious club competition for four decades (1960–2004). It pitted the European champions (European Cup/Champions League) against the South American champions (Copa Libertadores) to determine the world's strongest club at the intercontinental level. Let's 78WIN Learn about this tournament through the article below.

History of formation and major stages of change

Before delving into the details of how the competition has evolved over the years, it is important to understand the turbulent development of the Intercontinental Cup. These changes have helped to shape the tournament’s unique identity.

The first stage of two-legged matches (1960–1979)

From 1960 to 1969, the Intercontinental Cup was played over two legs, with each team playing one home match. The overall winner was determined by the aggregate score after the two matches. If the aggregate score was tied, the away goals rule was applied; if still level, a third play-off match was held on neutral ground.

From 1971 to 1979, the rules of the competition were slightly changed. When the aggregate score and away goals were equal, there was no third match but instead the head-to-head difference or a penalty shootout was conducted in the return leg. This change helped shorten the tournament and increase the intensity of the two matches.

Move to a final in Japan (1980–2004)

After two decades of violence and controversy in South America and Europe, in 1980 Toyota sponsored and moved the entire match to a neutral venue in Tokyo, later Yokohama. The Intercontinental Cup then became a single-leg final.

The match takes place every November or December, usually under the name Toyota Cup. The new format helps reduce the risk of violence. At the same time, the tournament has significantly increased its commercial and professional character.

Intercontinental Cup competition format

Now that we have the historical context, it's time to delve into the actual confrontations that the two champions have had to endure over the tournament's 45-year existence.

Competition rules in the two-legged stage

For the first 20 years, each team played one match at home, taking advantage of the climate, pitches and supporters. The first leg was usually played in South America in September–October, the return leg in Europe in October–November. Unlimited substitutions (at the time, only two were allowed) made the matches physically demanding.

The peak of violence occurred in the 1967 (Racing Club vs Celtic) and 1969 (Estudiantes vs AC Milan) seasons. Many European stars even refused to participate in the following seasons. These matches created a reputation as both classic and fierce.

Format of an Intercontinental Cup match in Japan

Since 1980, the tournament has been played in a single match on neutral grounds, with 30 minutes of extra time and penalties in the event of a draw. Special rules include a sixth substitution in extra time, an experiment with the “golden ball – silver ball” rule, and referees from a third federation to ensure neutrality. The winners receive the Toyota Cup, the losers a commemorative plate, and the best player is awarded a Toyota car.

Over the years, the competition format has changed: 1960–1968 used two legs with a play-off, 1969–1979 used away goals, and 1980–2004 used only one match in Japan. There were 43 official matches in total.

The “all or nothing” format forced teams to field their strongest lineups from the start, creating some classic matches. Notable matches include Real Madrid 5-0 Peñarol (1960) and River Plate 0-1 Juventus (1996). This is why the Intercontinental Cup is always remembered as a fierce and exciting tournament.

Conclude

The Intercontinental Cup ended its 45-year run in 2004 to make way for the larger FIFA Club World Cup, but its legacy of intensity and prestige remains undiminished. From the brutal two-legged battles in South America and Europe to the glamorous single-leg final in Japan, the tournament has always remained true to its roots: there is only one true king of world club football. Access 78win.com to be able to follow this exciting tournament.