Real Madrid’s 1987 LaLiga Triumph: A Historic Milestone
Real Madrid secured their 24th LaLiga title on June 22, 1987, capping off a grueling and unique league format that remains a distinct chapter in Spanish football history. The championship was finalized during the final stage of the 1986-87 season, a campaign defined by a controversial playoff system that saw the top six teams compete in a “liguilla por el título” after the initial 34-game schedule.
How the 1986-87 LaLiga Season Worked
The 1986-87 season is remembered for its atypical structure, implemented by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to increase the number of matches and revenue. According to official historical records from LaLiga, the competition was split into two phases.
In the first phase, all 18 teams played each other twice. Following this, the league table was divided into three groups of six teams based on their standings. Real Madrid finished the primary phase in first place with 46 points, comfortably leading the “championship group.” In this second phase, teams carried over their points from the first round, playing an additional 10 matches against the other top-six finishers: FC Barcelona, Espanyol, Sporting de Gijón, Mallorca, and Zaragoza.
Key Figures of the 1987 Title Run
The success of the 1986-87 squad was largely attributed to the prolific scoring of Hugo Sánchez. The Mexican striker, who had joined the club from Atlético Madrid in 1985, proved instrumental during this campaign. According to Real Madrid CF’s official archive, Sánchez finished the season as the league’s top scorer, or *Pichichi*, netting 34 goals.
Under the guidance of manager Leo Beenhakker, the team showcased a dominant style of play. Key contributors included club legends such as Emilio Butragueño, Míchel, and Manuel Sanchís—the core of the famous “Quinta del Buitre.” Their collective performance allowed Real Madrid to finish the final stage with 66 points, finishing nine points clear of runners-up FC Barcelona.
Why the 1987 Format Was Abandoned
The 1986-87 playoff system was met with significant criticism from players, managers, and fans alike. The primary issue was the exhaustion caused by an expanded schedule, which saw teams play 44 matches instead of the traditional 34.
Historical analysis from MARCA notes that the experiment was widely viewed as a failure due to the lack of competitive tension in the final rounds, as Real Madrid had built a lead that proved insurmountable for their rivals. Consequently, the RFEF reverted to the standard double-round-robin format for the 1987-88 season, which remains the standard practice today.
Quick Facts: The 1986-87 Season
- Total Matches Played: 44 per team
- Real Madrid Final Points: 66
- Runner-up: FC Barcelona (57 points)
- Top Scorer: Hugo Sánchez (34 goals)
- Manager: Leo Beenhakker
The 1987 title served as the second of five consecutive league championships for the “Quinta del Buitre” era, cementing the team’s domestic dominance during the late 1980s. While the playoff format was a one-time anomaly, the statistical output of the 1987 squad remains a benchmark for efficiency in Spanish football.