On A Day Like Today: Igoa opens his account

On March 29th, 1942, 78 years ago, Valencia CF played out a 3-3 draw against Celta Vigo. The game featured the first goals scored by Silvestre Igoa, one of the fundamental players in a brilliant decade for the club.

Besides the 'Delantera Eléctrica' forward line of Mundo, Epi, Amadeo, Asensi and Gorostiza, the club had talent all over the pitch during that era. Basque player Igoa was one of those who helped VCF to success.

Although he was not considered to be a star, and joined the club at a young age, the left sided midfielder from Añorga (San Sebastián) was identified as a big talent immediately. He had moved to Valencia to complete his military service, being spotted by VCF as he showed his potential with Catarroja CF.

He would go on to participate in the 1942, 1944 and 1947 LaLiga title wins and the 1949 Copa triumph. Under Cubells, in the 1943/44 campagn, he was exceptional in the cup, leading Valencia CF to the final with goals against Zaragoza, Deportivo and Sabadell -scoring a hat trick in the latter game.

In that season and beyond, he became a regular starter until the end of the decade. In 1949/50 he would score 22 goals in 26 games, and got a call-up for Spain that led to him playing in the 1950 World Cup.

But it all started with those goals against Celta Vigo, on a day like today.