RAFA’S VALENCIA

Valencia were no mugs before they landed their first La Liga crown for 31 years in 2002, having reached consecutive Champions League finals in the two years prior under Argentine boss Hector Cuper. But until fourth- choice candidate – Tenerife manager Rafa Benitez – rocked up in the summer of 2001, Los Che hadn’t really come close to ruffling feathers for half a decade. Somehow, the Madrid native made Spain’s strongest defence even better, and his 2002 champions leaked a paltry 27 goals – handy, when they only scored 51 and their top marksman was central midfielder Ruben Baraja with seven goals ( pipping Salva – see story, right – on five).

Valencia could only finish fifth a year later, but lifted Spain’s top prize again in 2003- 04 – this time, by being even better. Benitez’s expertly drilled side conceded only 27 goals once again, but this time plundered 71 thanks to a fine individual campaign from Mista, who’d followed his boss from Tenerife in 2001. Los Che also tasted UEFA Cup glory after entering in the first round, overcoming Marseille in the Gothenburg showpiece.

“I am the only manager to have won the UEFA Cup with one team, and then the Champions League with another,” Benitez told last year. “I’m really proud of it.”