2001–02 Valencia CF season explained

Season:2001 - 02
Chairman:Jaime Ortí
Chrtitle:President
League Result:1st
League Topscorer:Rubén Baraja (7)
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Nextseason:2002–03

Valencia CF won their first La Liga title since 1970–71 season, in the first campaign of new trainer Rafael Benítez. The Tenerife recruit had a tough start to his job, with several dropped points and a midfield slot in the beginning of the season, culminating in a disqualification from Copa del Rey for fielding too many non-EU players. Benítez was reported to be near the sack before an away game against Espanyol. With Valencia trailing 2–0 at halftime, the resurgence of the team in the second half allowed the inexperienced coach to keep the job, and it got to be a starting point for a winning streak that eventually saw Valencia claiming the entire league, despite taking only 75 points and scoring a mere 51 goals.

With the attacking play not flowing as previously, the all-conquering defence improved further, conceding only 29 goals, much thanks to keeper Santiago Cañizares and centre halves Mauricio Pellegrino and Roberto Ayala. Defensively minded midfielder Rubén Baraja happened to be the club top scorer with a mere seven goals, forming an effective protecting block with David Albelda.

Squad

Transfers

In
width=3% Pos.width=32% Namewidth=30% fromwidth=35% Type
FW €10.80 million
DF loan ended
DF Free
DF
MF €7.75 million
MF €15.00 million
MF
FW loan ended
Out
width=3% Pos.width=32% Namewidth=30% Towidth=35% Type
MF €48.0 million[1]
MF retired[2]
DF €4.0 million
MF retired[3]
MF Free
FW loan

Competitions

La Liga

See main article: 2001–02 La Liga.

Matches

UEFA Cup

See main article: 2001–02 UEFA Cup.

Quarter-finals

Statistics

Topscorers

Notes and References

  1. News: Mendieta to retire. Francisco. Acedo. Sky Sports. 4 November 2016. 6 February 2024.
  2. News: Factbox: New France coach Didier Deschamps. Reuters. 8 July 2012. 6 February 2024.
  3. News: Qué fue de… Luis Milla. Edu. Casado. 20 minutos. 17 November 2008. 6 February 2024. es.