The 1996-97 campaign delivered a season of spectacular overachievement for Real Valladolid as Pucela secured a sensational 7th-place finish in La Liga, their highest position during an eleven-year spell in the top flight. This impressive result earned the club a coveted spot in the UEFA Cup. Leading the charge was the prolific forward Víctor, whose 16 crucial goals proved decisive in a campaign built on grit and unexpected success. It was a historic year that marked a significant high point for the club and remains a defining chapter of Pucela's modern history.