In this week's archive we take a look back at when Langbank hotel Gleddoch House played host to European champions Real Madrid.

The Spanish giants took on German side Bayer Leverkusen in the 2002 Champions League Final at Hampden on May 15, 2002.

Club legend Raul put Madrid in front before Lucio equalised for Leverkusen. The stage was set for one of the game’s all-time greats to produce a moment of history in the south side of Glasgow.

On the stroke of half-time Roberto Carlos sent the ball high into the Glasgow sky, dropping from such a height there seemed little danger for the Germans, but Zinedine Zidane was underneath it.

His beautifully judged left-footed volley flew past Hans-Jorg Butt in the Leverkusen goal and will go down as one of the best goals in the history of the game. Madrid hung on for a 2-1 win and lifted the European Cup for the ninth time.

'Zizou' and Madrid had prepared for their historic victory in Renfrewshire and brought the cup with the big ears back to Gleddoch House in the early hours of the following morning as the Gazette from May 29, 2002 reports:

European champions Real Madrid proved they were simply the best with staff at a top Renfrewshire hotel.

The Spanish giants dazzled staff at the Gleddoch House Hotel in Langbank during their exclusive three-day stay recently.

The Bernabeu side, who beat German team Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 in the the Champions League Final at Hampden, were on their best behaviour during their brief stay in Renfrewshire.

General Manager Leslie Conn said the players were more than happy to chat with staff and sign autographs for their new-found fans.

He said: “They were wonderful. The thing about European teams is that they come in and they know they have a job to do. They were just going about their business in a professional manner.They’re nice lads and I did get quite friendly with them, including Steve McManaman and Zinedine Zidane.”

French midfielder Zidane scored the winner at Hampden with a wonder strike, but it was teammate Brazilian star Roberto Carlos proved especially popular among the Gleddoch house staff.

He said: “He really took time out to chat with us and Steve McManaman eventually became the go-between in conversations!”

Mr Conn described how his arduous 28-hour shift ended, when the Real Madrid bus pulled in at four in the morning with the glittering trophy on board.

He said: “They had to go to an official function later that night and didn’t get back until about four in the morning. They were jubilant but very tired. One or two of them had a celebratory glass of wine and they were all laughing and joking but they were still utterly professional.”