[1] In the preceding five rounds of the competition, Tottenham had never been seriously threatened with elimination, as the London-based club outscored their opponents by a total of 29 goals to 8 en route to the final.

In contrast, Feyenoord Rotterdam won several narrow victories in their cup ties: they advanced on away goals against Belgian side Standard in the third round and needed extra time in the return leg to beat Polish club Ruch Chorzów in the quarter-final.

Additionally, leading up to the final, Feyenoord had won only one out of five legs that were played away from their home ground, De Kuip.

Overview (archive) After holding Spurs to a 2–2 draw at London's White Hart Lane, Feyenoord went into their home leg as favourites.

The second leg in Rotterdam was marred by violence and hooliganism from rioting Spurs supporters.