Superga was 69 years ago: Benfica and Torino connected forever

69 years have passed. On May 4th, 1949, the tragedy of Superga killed 24 people linked with Torino FC (18 players and six staff elements). The Italian team had played a friendly match against Benfica at Estádio Nacional, which had served to mark the farewell of the eagles' captain, Francisco Ferreira.

On the return trip to Turin, the fog in Italy led the aircraft Fiat G.212, that was carrying the Italian team, to crash into the Basilica of Superga.

The match, that had taken place the day before, May 3, 1949, ended with a 4-3 win for Benfica. Melão (23’ and 29’), Arsénio (33’) and Rogério Pipi (40’) scored for the Reds; Ossola (9’), Bongiorni (37’) and Romeo Menti (44’, pk) scored for Torino FC.

The emotional connection between the emblems has been strengthened throughout the times and has resulted in several tributes that evoke the fateful day. On July 26th, 2016, elements of Torino and the board of Benfica were present at the Estádio Nacional to honor the team that faced the Eagles in 1949; the next day took place at the Estádio da Luz the 9th edition of the Eusébio Cup played between the two clubs.

At the time of the accident, the squad from Turin was considered the best Italian team and one of the best in Europe; was even dubbed Grande Torino, it won four consecutive championships and was on its way to win the 5th, which it would eventually win, playing the last four rounds after the tragedy with the youth team, a decision followed by the other Italian emblems.

After the tragedy, Torino faced some difficulties at the sporting level and would only win the Scudetto again in 1976.

Text: Marco Rebelo

Pics: Archive / SL Benfica