After swiftly replacing Ernesto Valverde in the Barcelona hot seat, a link was created between Quique Setién and the Welsh domestic game.
Setién played twice against Bangor City in the the Round of Sixteen in the Cup Winners Cup, which was later replaced by the UEFA Cup and then the UEFA Europa League.
The then 27-year-old scored in the 25th minute after Uruguayan international forward Jorge Orosman da Silva had opened the scoring in front of a 5181 crowd at Farrar Road.
It was a tie of such importance that the famous voice of Martin Tyler was on commentary for the first tie.
Bangor had only qualified for the European Cup Winners Cup by being runners up to Shrewsbury Town in the Welsh Cup the season before.
They had earned the right to play Atlético by beating Norwegian outfit Fredrikstad FK on the virtue of away goals.
The Citizens then took on Atletico Madrid – runners up of La Liga in 1984/1985 – at their world-renowned Vicente Calderon Stadium.
They fought bravely and only lost by a single goal, with Jesus Landaburu scoring a free-kick.
Embed from Getty ImagesNeville Powell – now at Aberystwyth Town – was present for Bangor in both of their ties as they competed with one of Spain’s best sides.
Speaking to DailyPost.co.uk back in November 2015, reflecting on the 30th anniversary of the tie, Powell said: “The atmosphere inside the stadium was fantastic.
“We brought about 200 to 300 Bangor fans over with us and with them knowing they were going to win the tie, the Spaniards gave us a great ovation. In the end they were on our side.
“It was a night I’ll never forget. The Spaniards really looked after us and gave each of us a commemorative sword with the name Atletico Madrid on it.”
He played alongside former Everton goalkeeper Dai Davies who had made a penalty save.
Also playing for Bangor City was Mark Palios, who is now the owner of English League One side Tranmere Rovers.
(Featured Image: MadSproute)
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