Sometimes, it is always great just to delve deep into the archives and look at the former glory days of a particular side that might not quite be who they once were.
Sadly, Valencia CF are one of those sides who were once a fierce competitor but now look like football’s version of a mere playful kitten.
The La Liga side continue to produce a number of mixed performances, with their exploits rather unpredictable at times, with those using places like My Betting Site to get the best offers available finding it hard to know what to bet on when they do play.
Los Che may have recently won the Copa del Rey as recently as the 2018/19 season, but other silverware has been relatively hard to come by.
Back in 2003/04, though, the Spanish outfit managed to win La Liga by obtaining a total of 77 points, five more than what FC Barcelona had managed that year, whilst another Spanish fallen giant, Deportivo La Coruna, finished in third above Real Madrid.
In addition to picking up the Spanish league title, Rafael Benitez’s side would go on to claim the UEFA Cup that season as well. They defeated Olympique de Marseille in the final that was played at the Gamla Ullevi – IFK Goteborg’s home stadium in Sweden – 2-0.
But by taking a look at the game on the off chance, there are a number of previously top footballers to have featured in the game that help to bring a number of flooding memories.
Valencia’s side consisted of legendary ‘keeper, Santiago Canizares, as well as players such as Roberto Ayala, Carlos Marchena, David Albelda, Vicente and Pablo Aimar. Let’s not forget, or perhaps learn, that current Watford manager, Xisco, was also a part of that squad.
For the French side, who were managed by Jose Anigo, the likes of Fabien Barthez (who got sent off in the first half), Mathieu Flamini, Steve Marlet and Didier Drogba all featured, whilst a certain Philippe Christianval was on the substitutes bench.
Of course, the UFEA Cup is now known as the UEFA Europa League and features some rather famous football clubs, but these two still make the odd appearance every now and again.
Whether they will ever reach their glory days again, though, remains to be seen.
