Inaugurated on December 14, 1947, the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is one of the major public tourist spots in Madrid. Its name is a tribute to Santiago Bernabeu Yeste, amythical leader of Real Madrid who chaired the Real Madrid Football Club from 1943 to 1978. He was a football player and a coach, as well as a leader who led the Madrid team during more seasons than anybody else, presiding it during 35 years until his death.
Throughout its history, the Bernabéu has hosted numerous meetings in which both the Spanish team and other national teams have played at home. Among them are those played in the 1964 Euros and the 1982 World Cup. On the other hand, it is the only Spanish stadium that has seen the national team being crowned as champion of a major soccer event at the level of senior national teams, after winning the 1964 Euros against the Soviet team. The other matches corresponded to the World Cup back in 1982: The match between West Germany and England as well as between Italy and West Germany.
