Fórum Algirós remembers 2001/02 LaLiga title with protagonists at Mestalla

The Fórum Algirós, organised by Valencia CF and the VCF Foundation's Museum and Heritage Department, ran its latest edition on Thursday, November 18th, at Mestalla. The objective, as ever, was to continue remembering great moments from the more than 102 years of Valencia CF history and honour its protagonists.

"LaLiga 2001/02. The beginning of an era" was the subject for a roundtable discussion with  some of the leading figures from the club's fifth league title.

Players Curro Torres, Miguel Ángel Angulo, Miroslav Djukic and Andrés Palop participated in the talk, alongside goalkeeping coach Ochotorena; and the technical secretary of the time, Javier Subirats. In addition, coach Rafael Benítez and players Carboni, Fabio Aurelio, Albelda, De los Santos, Rufete, Mista, Salva and Sánchez all sent messages.

Likewise, the widow and children of the former president during that time, Jaime Ortí, were in attendance for an emotional tribute at Mestalla. Staff members Pepe de los Santos, Chemanu and Paco Vidal also took up invitations to be present.

The squad in that legendary year consisted of Cañizares, Palop, Jonathan, Anglomá, Ayala, Carboni, Curro Torres, David Navarro, Djukic, Fabio Aurelio, Garrido, Marchena, Pellegrino , Aimar, Albelda, Angulo, Baraja, De los Santos, Jandro, Kily González, Rufete, Serban, Vicente, Carew, Ilie, Mista, Salva and Sánchez.

The competition started for Valencia CF with a 1-0 loss against Real Madrid CF and ended with a 2-0 victory against Real Betis Balompié. Valencia CF were mathematically proclaimed champions on the penultimate matchday, after beating Málaga CF 0-2 on May 5th, 2002.

This title marked a turning point for the club: They went on to win the 2003/04 LaLiga title, the 2003/04 UEFA Cup and the 2004 European Supercup, and were named Best Club in the World in 2004.

This Fórum Algirós is the 18th held so far. Attending on behalf of the club were Valencia CF ambassadors Ricardo Arias and Miguel Tendillo; the director general of the VCF Foundation, Teo Swee Wei; the director general of the VCF Academy and patron of the VCF Foundation, Sean Bai; trustee of the VCF Foundation, Salvador Martínez ; sporting director of VCF Femenino, Jesús Oliva; and Pablo Gozálvez and Irune Cervera & Elena Nuñez, players for VCF Mestalla and VCF Femenino B.