It was contested by Real Madrid of Spain and Stade de Reims of France, and played at the Parc des Princes in Paris on 13 June 1956 in front of 38,000 people.

The match finished 4–3 to Real Madrid, who went on to record an unrivalled five consecutive European Cup titles.

Real Madrid entered the European Cup competition as the title winners of the 1954–55 La Liga.

[4] Reims entered the European Cup competition as the title winners of the 1954–55 French Division 1.

[6] There, a tight match ensured a 4–4 draw, which saw Reims advance to the semi-finals,[7] where they defeated Scottish Hibernian in both legs, reaching final undefeated.