John Hewitt reveals Sir Alex Ferguson was giving him Aberdeen pelters before sinking Real Madrid

The goal that sank Real Madrid was nowhere near his best but it was certainly the most important and biggest of John Hewitt’s career.

The super sub came off the bench 40 years ago today to head home the winner that saw Aberdeen lift the 1983 European Cup Winners’ Cup. It also secured legendary status for the Aberdonian and the rest of Alex Ferguson’s all-conquering squad, not only in the history of the Dons but in Scottish football. Eric Black had given the Pittodrie side an early lead before Juanito equalised from the penalty spot.

That paved the way for Hewitt to get on the end of Mark McGhee’s cross to famously glance home the extra-time winner in the Ullevi Stadium. Real Madrid haven’t lost in a European final since they came unstuck against the Gothenburg Greats in 1983. And Hewitt said: “I’ve scored a lot of better goals than that but of course it was obviously the most important goal. I’m still the last person to score a winning goal in a European final for a Scottish club.

“I’m also the last one to score a winner against Real Madrid in a European final. That’s pretty hard to believe considering the amount of finals they have been in. I’m sure one day that record will go. But it’s still there and it’s still nice to be associated with that.

“I’m like everybody else, I watch the football. I look at the current Real Madrid side – to me they’re still the top side in Europe. Anybody who beats them will win the Champions League, I’m sure of it.” Hewitt still remembers the goal and reckons Real Madrid keeper Agustin Rodriguez’s indecision was the major factor in him grabbing the glory.

The 60-year-old said: “I was running in on goal on my own. Sometimes Mark (McGhee) had a tendency to double back and beat the guy again