The 1995-96 campaign for Real Valladolid was a tense, dramatic fight for survival, with Pucela ultimately securing a vital 16th-place finish in an expanded La Liga season. Leading the charge was the sensational Croatian striker Alen Peternac, whose prolific 23 goals not only made him one of the league's top scorers but proved decisive in a campaign that began with the turmoil of a managerial change. The season was immortalized by Peternac's unforgettable five-goal haul, including a club-record four penalties, in a crucial 8-3 away victory over Real Oviedo, a result that delivered a giant leap towards their top-flight status and cemented his legend at the club.