During the 2001–02 season Valencia competed in La Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Cup.
Summary Valencia won their first La Liga title since the 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 it was previously, the all-conquering defence improved further conceded 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 Pos. Name from Type FW Salva Atletico Madrid €10.80 million DF Curro Torres Tenerife loan ended DF Carlos Marchena Benfica Free DF David Navarro Valencia Mestalla MF Francisco Rufete Malaga €7.75 million MF Gonzalo de los Santos Malaga €15.00 million MF Dennis Șerban Elche FW Mista Tenerife loan ended Out Pos. Name To Type MF Gaizka Mendieta Lazio €48.0 million MF Didier Deschamps retired DF Joachim Björklund Venezia €4.0 million MF Luis Milla retired MF Zlatko Zahovic Benfica Free FW Diego Alonso Atletico Madrid loan
Competitions
La Liga
League table
Results by round
Matches
UEFA Cup
Quarter-finals
Statistics Players statistics
References