1980–81 European Cup Winners' Cup
The European Cup Winners 'Cup in 1980/81 was the 21st playout of the competition of European Football Cup Winners' Cup. 34 club teams from 33 countries took part, including defending champion FC Valencia, 28 domestic cup winners and 5 losing cup finalists ( Crusader FC, SK Haugar, Dinamo Tbilisi, SV Austria Salzburg and Castilla CF).
From Germany were DFB-Pokal winner Fortuna Dusseldorf, from the GDR fdgb Cup winners FC Carl Zeiss Jena, from Austria ÖFB Cupfinalist SV Austria Salzburg and Switzerland cup winners FC Sion at the start.
In the final state with FC Carl Zeiss Jena trained by Hans Meyer for the second time after 1974 a " East German " team. In Düsseldorf Rhein Stadion subject Jena, which had previously switched off as sounding names as AS Roma, FC Valencia and Benfica, but Dinamo Tbilisi 1-2.
Scorer was Englishman David Cross of West Ham United with 6 goals.
Mode
The participants played as usual in pure Cup mode with return games the winner. Was there after two games Torgleichstand, the number of away goals scored decided ( away goals ). Was also equal in number to an extension took place in the return game in which was also the away goals rule. Ruled by the end of the extension is still a tie, a penalty shoot-out was performed. The final was decided on one game at a neutral venue. If the score is level after extra time the winner would also have been determined in a penalty shootout.
Preliminary round
The first legs took place on 20 August and the return matches on September 3, 1980 at.
First round
The first legs were held on 16:17. September and the return legs held on 1 October 1980.
2nd round
The first legs took place on November 5, 1980 October 22, the return games.
Quarterfinals
The first legs took place on 18 March 1981 on March 4, the return games.
Semifinal
The first legs took place on April 8, the return legs on April 22 place in 1981.