Inter Milan were high on their status as Serie A champions, viewed as world-beaters after roaring success in the 1960s and their league season had ended with a 23-game unbeaten run when they took on Crystal Palace in 1971.
By contrast, their English adversaries were pleased to have avoided relegation from the English top flight, having just finished their second ever season at such a level.
While Palace were no team to be scoffed at, the difference between them and Inter Milan was incomparable.
In ordinary circumstances, the two teams would never meet, but the circumstances were far from ordinary in 1971.