With the 1985-86 season representing an undistinguished one domestically, it was the European arena in which Atlético Madrid shone and nearly brought what would have been a second success in the Cup Winners' Cup. Atlético’s away form in the competition was exceptional, and all four away legs at Celtic, Bangor City, Red Star Belgrade, and Bayer Uerdingen were won, easing the rojiblancos through to the competition Final in Lyon. Long-serving coach Luis Aragonés and his players faced Dynamo Kiev in that final with the Soviet side proving too strong on the night.