Third shirt as worn when Los Murciélagos won the La Liga title under Rafa Benítez, their first victory since 1970-71. New manager Benítez would solidify an already impressive side which had reached the previous season’s Champions League final with the signings of Carlos Marchena and Rufete, amongst others. Across the course of the season, Valencia would only concede 27 league goals, netting 51 and recording some impressive victories including convincing home victories over Real Madrid, Barcelona and Real Sociedad. Benítez would go on to lead his side to another title victory in the 2003-04 campaign against all odds, before leaving for the bright lights of Liverpool in 2004