Maine Road 100 – Day 21

It’s day 21 of my posts counting down to the centenary of Maine Road’s opening game and today’s image is a reminder of a European night that was hugely significant. It was the most important European game played by Manchester City at Maine Road.

The game, played on 15 April 1970, saw German side Schalke 04 defeated 5-1 in the ECWC semi-final second leg at Maine Road by City. Subscribers can read the story of that game (and watch video highlights) here:

A European Semi Final Victory

The image shows Francis Lee in action during that game with the Main Stand and Platt Lane corner in the background. This game led to City playing in their first European final and it seems appropriate to remember that night this week. Joe Mercer’s team went on to win the ECWC (at the time the 2nd most important UEFA club competition).

As well as that image here’s another from the night. This was the celebratory post match pitch invasion. I’d love to hear from any Blues who were there that night. Please use the contact page or leave a comment below. Thanks.

For those unfamiliar with Maine Road this photo may help locate the scene. Number 1 is the Main Stand. Number 4 is the Platt Lane Corner. The pitch invasion image shows one of the corner tunnels but I can’t make out whether it’s the one that used to be position near number 9 or the one shown below at number 6.

If you’d like to read more on the history of Maine Road, take a look at Farewell To Maine Road, which can be downloaded from this page:

Farewell To Maine Road – Part One

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