Cruijff started the 1973/74-campaign playing for Ajax, but then moved to Barcelona. In Amsterdam his teammates disappointed Cruijff by electing Piet Keizer to be captain. Besides, in Spain he could sign a much better contract.

Barcelona welcomed him as 'El Salvador'. In his first year Cruijff amazed the socios by leading Barcelona to their first national championship in 14 years. In Madrid Barcelona humiliated Real by beating them 5-0.