Miljan Miljanic, ex-Real Madrid coach, dies at 81

Miljan Miljanic, a Serb who once coach Real Madrid, Yugoslavia and Red Star Belgrade, died Friday. He was 81.

His death was confirmed by the Serbian soccer federation. Belgrade media said he died after a long battle with cancer.

Miljanic, known for his defensive tactics and reliance on experienced players, took the Yugoslav national team to the 1974 and 1982 World Cups.

He won four league titles and three cups with Red Star between 1966 and 1974 during the glory days of Yugoslav soccer. He then captured back-to-back Spanish titles and a Copa del Rey trophy with Real Madrid between 1974 and 1977.

Miljanic later coached at Valencia but was fired after poor results during the 1982-83 season.