1970–71 Cagliari Calcio season

During the 1970–71 season Cagliari Calcio (then Unione Sportiva Cagliari) competed in Serie A, Coppa Italia and 1970–71 European Cup.

Summary
The squad had a promising start of league campaign defeating Sampdoria (2–1), SS Lazio (2–4) and Inter (1–3) at San Siro. However, superstar Luigi Riva is injured at minute 76 on 31 October 1970 playing a Euro 1972 qualification match against Austria (2–1) by Austrian Defender Norbert Hof. The club transferred in Forward Giampaolo Menichelli, resulting in a flop only playing 8 matches without goal. Riva did not make a comeback to the squad until Spring with the team collapsed to a disappointing 7th place.

The season is best remembered by the club debut on the European Cup. In first round the squad defeated the French franchise AS Saint-Étienne with a global score of 3–1. In eightfinals the team won his first leg against Atlético Madrid by 2–1. For the second leg of the series at Manzanares, the club without Gigi Riva lost the match 3-0 being eliminated from the tournament.

In Coppa Italia the team surprisingly was early eliminated on first round after losing the first grupo match against Livorno in spite of two consecutive victories.

The club left the Stadio Amsicora after 50 years, replaced it by Stadio Sant'Elia on 12 September 1970.

In spite of the chaotic campaign, Eraldo Mancin became starter; Brazilian Nenè delivered a decent season, with 30 matches played no-replaced. Also, Angelo Domenghini, played at high-level during the entire season.