Valencia’s 2002 title, the sacred day that ended a 31-year wait | OneFootball

On this day in 2002 Valencia returned to the summit by winning LaLiga, ending 31 years without the title. According to Superdeporte, the anniversary is a sacred date for supporters, with 2026 tributes to the 1971 side led by Pep Claramunt.

Rafael Benítez’s side sealed their fifth Liga title at La Rosaleda in Málaga, backed by more than 3,000 travelling fans. Roberto Ayala headed the opener on 34 minutes, then Fábio Aurélio scored from a Pablo Aimar pass after officials overturned an initial offside following a delay of over five minutes. Referee Pérez Burrull eventually awarded it.

Real Madrid drew 0-0 with Mallorca at the Bernabéu that same matchday, dropping two points and leaving the title beyond reach if Valencia held firm. They did.

The 2001/02 campaign was defined by character and ambition, from an opening win over Real Madrid to rain-soaked celebrations. There were crises too, including a comeback at Montjuïc when Benítez’s sacking seemed imminent at half-time, a duel with the galácticos and a decisive sprint in the final eight matches. Celebrations at Mestalla after beating Espanyol preceded the final push in Málaga.

The triumph reaffirmed the project after the 2001 Champions League final loss to Bayern Munich. Building on the 1999 Copa del Rey and two European finals, a group featuring Santi Cañizares, Ayala, David Albelda, Rubén Baraja, Aimar, Vicente and Miguel Angulo reached maturity.

Twenty-four years on, the title still stands for pride, resilience and Valencia’s grandeur. The contrast with the present is stark.

Source: Superdeporte