Quinta del Buitre
Encyclopedia
La Quinta del Buitre is the moniker given by Spanish sport journalist Julio César Iglesias to the five homegrown Real Madrid
players who were at the core of the team that dominated Spanish football in the 1980s. The name ("Vulture's Cohort") was derived from Emilio Butragueño
's nickname El Buitre, the most charismatic and prominent player of the group. The other four members were Manolo Sanchís, Martín Vázquez
, Míchel
and Miguel Pardeza
.
Sanchís and Martín Vázquez were the first to play for Real Madrid's first team, making their debut away at Murcia
on December 4, 1983. Coach Alfredo Di Stéfano
brought the youngsters in from the start. Both played surprisingly well and Sanchís even scored the winning goal. A few months later on 5 February 1984, Emilio Butragueño made his debut in an away game at Cádiz
. El Buitre was an instant sensation and scored twice. Pardeza was added to the first team that same season and Míchel followed at the start of the next.
With La Quinta del Buitre at its core (reduced to four members when Pardeza left the club for Zaragoza
in 1986) Real Madrid had one of the best teams in Spain and Europe during the second half of the 1980s, winning amongst others two UEFA Cup
s and 5 Spanish championships
in a row. Their record was only blemished by their failure to win the European Cup
.
All the five players were part of Spain's squad during 1990 FIFA World Cup
.
Martín Vázquez went to play for Torino in 1990. He made a return to Real Madrid in 1992, leaving the club again for good in 1995 (to Deportivo La Coruña). Butragueño left the club in 1995 and Míchel in 1996. Both went to play for Club Celaya in Mexico
.
Sanchís was the only member of La Quinta to never play for a club other than Real Madrid. By winning the Champions League twice (in 1998 and 2000), he also managed to accomplish what La Quinta had failed to achieve in its glory days. He retired in 2001 as the last active member of the famous cohort. In 1998, Sanchis was even awarded the Champions League Trophy first, because he was by then the captain of Real Madrid and had played the whole final against italian giants Juventus FC.
With the years, the "Quinta Del Buitre" has earned a more generic meaning, being also associated with a brand of football played by Real Madrid in the late 1980s and early 1990s, under the stewardship of coaches Luis Molowny
, Leo Beenhakker
and John Toshack
. During those years, the Madrid club became synonymous with a high-tempo and very aggressive, physical style of play. The heated atmosphere then prevailing at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium
sometimes pushed the players to go beyond the limits of acceptable behaviour. For example, during European Cup fixtures in the 1986-87, 1987-88, 1989-89 and 1989-90 seasons, notable opponents such as Lothar Matthäus
of Bayern Munich and Franco Baresi
of A.C. Milan
were singled out by Real Madrid players for very rough treatment on the pitch.
This period has often been likened to José Mourinho
's spell at the club for the tactics employed. On the other hand, it has been contrasted with the Galácticos era of the early-to-mid 2000's. This latter period saw Real Madrid adopt a fluid and attacking approach to its football under coach Vicente Del Bosque
. Unlike the Quinta Del Buitre years, which favoured homegrown talent, Del Bosque's side was based mainly on expensive foreign imports such as Luis Figo
, Zinedine Zidane
and Ronaldo
. In the meantime, the profile of the supporters attending games at the Santiago Bernabeu had also changed: an embourgeoisement process meant that the support was no longer as vocal and passionate as in the 1980s'. A notorious banner deployed in the stands during that period read "Less dollars, more cojones", indicating some kind of nostalgia for the fighting spirit and aggressiveness displayed by the Quinta del Buitre
. However most supporters were happy to sit and watch as their heroes dismantled many visiting sides in impressive fashion, for example Manchester United in April 2003.
The Galaticos were less dominant domestically than their predecessors, winning only two Ligas in 2000-01 and 2002-03. Nevertheless, unlike the Quinta del Buitre
, they managed to extend their dominance to Europe, winning three Champions League
trophies between 1997 and 2002. It is worth noting that two of these continental titles were won prior to the arrival of marquee signing Luis Figo
, and do not therefore form part of the Galacticos period proper.
Real Madrid C.F.
Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
players who were at the core of the team that dominated Spanish football in the 1980s. The name ("Vulture's Cohort") was derived from Emilio Butragueño
Emilio Butragueño
Emilio Butragueño Santos is a retired Spanish footballer who played as a striker.He was best known for his spell with Real Madrid...
's nickname El Buitre, the most charismatic and prominent player of the group. The other four members were Manolo Sanchís, Martín Vázquez
Rafael Martín Vázquez
Rafael Martín Vázquez is a retired Spanish footballer who played mostly as an attacking midfielder, with above-average skills....
, Míchel
José Miguel González Martín
José Miguel González Martín del Campo, aka Míchel , is a retired Spanish footballer who played as a right midfielder.He was most noted for his stellar crossing ability, also contributing with a fair share of goals...
and Miguel Pardeza
Miguel Pardeza Pichardo
Miguel Pardeza Pichardo is a retired Spanish footballer who played as a forward.He was part of Real Madrid's generation of footballers known as Quinta del Buitre, but spent the better part of his career at Real Zaragoza...
.
Sanchís and Martín Vázquez were the first to play for Real Madrid's first team, making their debut away at Murcia
Real Murcia
Real Murcia Club de Fútbol, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in the region of Murcia. Founded in 1908, it currently plays in the second division, playing home matches at Estadio Nueva Condomina, which can hold 33,045 spectators....
on December 4, 1983. Coach Alfredo Di Stéfano
Alfredo Di Stéfano
Alfredo Stéfano Di Stéfano Laulhé, born into a family of Italian immigrants from Capri, is a former Argentinian footballer and coach, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time...
brought the youngsters in from the start. Both played surprisingly well and Sanchís even scored the winning goal. A few months later on 5 February 1984, Emilio Butragueño made his debut in an away game at Cádiz
Cádiz CF
Cádiz Club de Fútbol, S.A.D. is a Spanish football team based in Cádiz, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. Founded in 1910, it currently plays in Segunda División B - Group 4, holding home games at Estadio Ramón de Carranza, with a 22,000-seat capacity.Salvadoran legend Mágico González, who...
. El Buitre was an instant sensation and scored twice. Pardeza was added to the first team that same season and Míchel followed at the start of the next.
With La Quinta del Buitre at its core (reduced to four members when Pardeza left the club for Zaragoza
Real Zaragoza
Real Zaragoza, S.A.D. is a Spanish association football team from Zaragoza in Spain. Founded on 18 March 1932, Real Zaragoza have spent the majority of their 78 year history in the Spanish top-flight. Real Zaragoza are Spain's 9th highest ranked team in overall league points...
in 1986) Real Madrid had one of the best teams in Spain and Europe during the second half of the 1980s, winning amongst others two UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
s and 5 Spanish championships
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
in a row. Their record was only blemished by their failure to win the European Cup
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
.
All the five players were part of Spain's squad during 1990 FIFA World Cup
1990 FIFA World Cup
The 1990 FIFA World Cup was the 14th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 8 June to 8 July 1990 in Italy, the second country to host the event twice. Teams representing 116 national football associations from all six populated...
.
Martín Vázquez went to play for Torino in 1990. He made a return to Real Madrid in 1992, leaving the club again for good in 1995 (to Deportivo La Coruña). Butragueño left the club in 1995 and Míchel in 1996. Both went to play for Club Celaya in Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
.
Sanchís was the only member of La Quinta to never play for a club other than Real Madrid. By winning the Champions League twice (in 1998 and 2000), he also managed to accomplish what La Quinta had failed to achieve in its glory days. He retired in 2001 as the last active member of the famous cohort. In 1998, Sanchis was even awarded the Champions League Trophy first, because he was by then the captain of Real Madrid and had played the whole final against italian giants Juventus FC.
With the years, the "Quinta Del Buitre" has earned a more generic meaning, being also associated with a brand of football played by Real Madrid in the late 1980s and early 1990s, under the stewardship of coaches Luis Molowny
Luis Molowny
Luis Molowny Arbelo was a Spanish football striker and coach.-Early life:He was born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands...
, Leo Beenhakker
Leo Beenhakker
Leo Beenhakker is an international Dutch football coach, who is the current Sports Director of Újpest FC.- Coaching career :...
and John Toshack
John Toshack
John Benjamin Toshack OBE is a Welsh former footballer and manager. He is currently the manager of Macedonia. He has also managed several others clubs including Swansea City, who he took from the Fourth Division to the First in four seasons.As a player, he is remembered for being part of the...
. During those years, the Madrid club became synonymous with a high-tempo and very aggressive, physical style of play. The heated atmosphere then prevailing at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
The Estadio Santiago Bernabéu is an all-seater football stadium in Madrid, Spain. It was inaugurated on 14 December 1947 and is owned by Real Madrid Club de Fútbol. It has a current capacity of 85,454 spectators....
sometimes pushed the players to go beyond the limits of acceptable behaviour. For example, during European Cup fixtures in the 1986-87, 1987-88, 1989-89 and 1989-90 seasons, notable opponents such as Lothar Matthäus
Lothar Matthäus
Lothar Herbert Matthäus , is a German football manager and former player.In 1990, he was named European Footballer of the Year and World Soccer Player of the Year after captaining West Germany to victory in the 1990 World Cup...
of Bayern Munich and Franco Baresi
Franco Baresi
Franco Baresi is an Italian football youth team coach and former player. He played as a sweeper and spent his entire career with Serie A club AC Milan, acknowledged as one of the greatest defenders ever to play the game. Baresi was nicknamed "Piscinin", Milanese for "Little one"...
of A.C. Milan
A.C. Milan
Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to as A.C. Milan or simply Milan , is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Lombardy, that plays in the Serie A. Milan was founded in 1899 by English lace-maker Herbert Kilpin and businessman Alfred Edwards among others...
were singled out by Real Madrid players for very rough treatment on the pitch.
This period has often been likened to José Mourinho
José Mourinho
José Mário dos Santos Félix Mourinho is a Portuguese football manager and the current manager of Real Madrid. He is commonly known as "The Special One".Mourinho is regarded by some players, coaches and critics as the best ever coach in football....
's spell at the club for the tactics employed. On the other hand, it has been contrasted with the Galácticos era of the early-to-mid 2000's. This latter period saw Real Madrid adopt a fluid and attacking approach to its football under coach Vicente Del Bosque
Vicente Del Bosque
Vicente del Bosque González, 1st Marquis of Del Bosque is a former Spanish footballer He is currently the manager of the Spanish national football team. After taking over from Luis Aragonés who had led Spain to European success in Euro 2008, Del Bosque went on to manage the national team to the...
. Unlike the Quinta Del Buitre years, which favoured homegrown talent, Del Bosque's side was based mainly on expensive foreign imports such as Luis Figo
Luís Figo
Luís Filipe Madeira Caeiro Figo, OIH, is a Portuguese former international footballer. He played as a midfielder for Sporting CP, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Internazionale, during a career which spanned over a period of 20 years. He retired from football on 31 May 2009...
, Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Yazid Zidane is a retired French footballer. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Zidane was a leading figure of a generation of French players that won the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship...
and Ronaldo
Ronaldo
Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima , commonly known as Ronaldo, is a retired Brazilian footballer who last played for Corinthians. Ronaldo is widely considered to be the greatest 'pure' striker in the history of the modern game, and by some accounts, in the history of football. Ronaldo was one of the...
. In the meantime, the profile of the supporters attending games at the Santiago Bernabeu had also changed: an embourgeoisement process meant that the support was no longer as vocal and passionate as in the 1980s'. A notorious banner deployed in the stands during that period read "Less dollars, more cojones", indicating some kind of nostalgia for the fighting spirit and aggressiveness displayed by the Quinta del Buitre
Quinta del Buitre
La Quinta del Buitre is the moniker given by Spanish sport journalist Julio César Iglesias to the five homegrown Real Madrid players who were at the core of the team that dominated Spanish football in the 1980s. The name was derived from Emilio Butragueño's nickname El Buitre, the most charismatic...
. However most supporters were happy to sit and watch as their heroes dismantled many visiting sides in impressive fashion, for example Manchester United in April 2003.
The Galaticos were less dominant domestically than their predecessors, winning only two Ligas in 2000-01 and 2002-03. Nevertheless, unlike the Quinta del Buitre
Quinta del Buitre
La Quinta del Buitre is the moniker given by Spanish sport journalist Julio César Iglesias to the five homegrown Real Madrid players who were at the core of the team that dominated Spanish football in the 1980s. The name was derived from Emilio Butragueño's nickname El Buitre, the most charismatic...
, they managed to extend their dominance to Europe, winning three Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
trophies between 1997 and 2002. It is worth noting that two of these continental titles were won prior to the arrival of marquee signing Luis Figo
Luís Figo
Luís Filipe Madeira Caeiro Figo, OIH, is a Portuguese former international footballer. He played as a midfielder for Sporting CP, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Internazionale, during a career which spanned over a period of 20 years. He retired from football on 31 May 2009...
, and do not therefore form part of the Galacticos period proper.