The 2001-02 campaign delivered a historic and unexpected triumph for Valencia as Los Che clinched their first La Liga title in 31 years. Under the new, unproven leadership of Rafael Benítez, the season had a turbulent start, but the team ultimately relied on an all-conquering defense that conceded a mere 27 goals, marshalled by the legendary Santiago Cañizares and centre-halves Roberto Ayala and Mauricio Pellegrino. Central midfielder and club top scorer Rubén Baraja, with a pragmatic 7 goals, anchored a powerful midfield alongside David Albelda and the dazzling Pablo Aimar, providing the foundation for a late-season surge. This defining year marked the beginning of Benítez's golden era, re-establishing the club as a major force in Spanish football and remains a foundational chapter in their modern history.