The 1934 Copa del Presidente de la República: A Milestone in Real Madrid History
On June 6, 1934, Real Madrid secured its seventh Spanish Cup title, defeating Valencia 2-1 at the Montjuïc Stadium in Barcelona. This victory marked a significant moment in the club’s early history, cementing its status as a dominant force in Spanish football during the pre-Civil War era. The match, officially known as the Copa del Presidente de la República, remains a foundational chapter in the archives of the Royal Spanish Football Federation.
How Real Madrid Won the 1934 Final
Real Madrid entered the final aiming to reclaim the trophy after losing the previous year’s decider to Athletic Bilbao. According to historical records from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), the 1934 final was a tightly contested affair.
The match was decided by two goals from Real Madrid forwards. Hilario opened the scoring, and Eugenio Lazcano added the second to secure the lead. While Valencia managed to pull one back through a goal from Vilanova, Real Madrid’s defense held firm to clinch the title. The victory was the club’s second cup win under the title of “Copa del Presidente de la República,” a competition that served as the precursor to the modern-day Copa del Rey.
The Significance of the 1934 Victory
This title win was part of a broader period of professionalization for Spanish football. The 1934 tournament was the 32nd edition of the competition, which had been held annually since 1903.
By winning this trophy, Real Madrid demonstrated the effectiveness of their squad building in the early 1930s. The team featured legendary figures who helped transition the club into a professional era. Historians often point to this victory as evidence of the club’s resilience; having lost the 1933 final 2-1 to Athletic Bilbao, the squad successfully adjusted their tactical approach under manager Francisco Bru to overcome Valencia just twelve months later.
Comparison: The 1933 and 1934 Finals
The back-to-back appearances in the finals highlight the consistency of the Madrid side during this era.
| Year | Winner | Score | Runner-up |
| :— | :— | :— | :— |
| 1933 | Athletic Bilbao | 2-1 | Real Madrid |
| 1934 | Real Madrid | 2-1 | Valencia |
As noted by the Real Madrid official archive, these consecutive finals established a rivalry that defined the competition throughout the 1930s. While Athletic Bilbao dominated much of the early decade, Real Madrid’s 1934 triumph proved they could match the physical intensity required to navigate the tournament format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the manager of Real Madrid in 1934?
Francisco Bru led the team to the 1934 victory. He was a prominent figure in Spanish football, having also managed the Spanish national team during the 1934 FIFA World Cup.
Where was the 1934 final played?
The match took place at the Montjuïc Stadium in Barcelona, which was a neutral venue for the two finalists.
How many cups did Real Madrid have after this win?
The 1934 victory was the seventh Spanish Cup title in the club’s history. It followed previous wins in 1905, 1906, 1907, 1908, 1917, and 1920.
What was the “Copa del Presidente de la República”?
This was the official name of the Spanish Cup during the Second Spanish Republic (1931–1936). The competition structure remained largely identical to the tournament known today as the Copa del Rey.
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