When people think of Munich, they think of the most successful club in German football, Bayern Munich. Football fans do however forget that 1860 Munich were up there at one point, challenging in all of the major competitions which included the European Cup Winners Cup, eventually losing to West Ham United. One of the first teams to win the Bundesliga (1966 victory), 1860 scored 80 goals in their Bundesliga triumph, with 26 of those from Friedhelm Konietzka. Following their league victory, Bernd Patzke represented 1860 Munich at the 1966 World Cup, losing the final to the hosts, England. Three poor seasons led to 1860 being relegated to the Regionalliga Süd in 1970, which would take seven years before they were promoted back in the Bundesliga. A mix of experience and talent led 1860 Munich to a fourth place Bundesliga finish in 2000, which allowed them to compete in the Champions League qualifying round, where they faced a famous Leeds United side. Facing financial difficulties, fierce rivals Bayern Munich bought out 1860s 50 percent stake in the Allianz Arena, whilst still allowing the club to use the stadium, despite a minority of 1860 fans expressing their disgust at the gesture. The 2014-15 season saw 1860 again forced into a 2. Bundesliga relegation play-off against Holstien Kiel. Over the two legs, 1860 survived following a stoppage time goal from Kai Bülow in front of 57,000. 1860 has received some good news of late - signing an exclusive marketing deal with Infront Sports & Media, the agreement will cover all of 1860 Munichs sponsorship, advertising and hospitality until 2027-28, providing the club a much needed cash injection for their bid to return to the top flight.
