Baraja: "The win in 2002 was an epic game that has gone down in Valencia CF history

On the 18th anniversary of Valencia CF’s win against Espanyol that put the LaLiga title almost in their hands, Rubén Baraja spoke to VCF Media from his home to remember the night in which he scored a memorable brace.

“These dates are always well remembered, above all because Valencia CF had gone so long without winning the title,” recalled Baraja, a key component of the midfield of the time.

“That game was the one that gave us the chance to be just 3 points away from clinching the league, which we did away against Malaga. It was a game in which some things which will go down in history occurred, and I was one of the protagonists because I was lucky enough to score goals. However, we went behind, we went down to 10 men, and we needed the support of the fans -which helped us a lot in the second half when we fought back. When we won the game, everybody started to believe that Valencia CF could be champions.”

Baraja remembers that there was speculation about the team’s ability to withstand the expectations placed on them at that stage of the season.

“It’s something that has happened to other clubs at other times, but we showed in that game that we were ready to be champions, and to overcome the difficulties that we encountered. I finished off the work done by the team -not just in that game, but in the entire season.”

“The goals are more a case of what they meant. I was fortunate enough to be there and experience it in  person, especially what winning the game made the fans feel. I was lucky enough to score the two goals, and it was crazy. It’s one of the epic games that has gone down in history as one of the greatest moments for Valencia CF. This club have great history and great moments, but that game changed the perspective of what was going to happen that season. Let’s hope that the club don’t take another 31 years in winning the league again, because a short time ago they won the Copa del Rey, and we knew that would mean a lot for our fans.”

Of course, even if Baraja wanted to forget the game against Espanyol, there is no erasing it from the minds of the fans whenever he is back in Valencia.

“People remind me of that match a lot. It’s nice to have been a protagonist in that LaLiga title and that moment. For many, it was their first time seeing Valencia CF win a trophy. I think that it was the start of a great era, and many people saw themselves reflected in that Valencia CF side.”

“When we made it 2-1, we ran to every side. There were people jumping up and down in the dugout, we were all hugging each other… it was a moment in which you feel that the team are hugging the fans. It was the moment of the game, and of the season.”

Baraja is currently coach of Segunda División side CD Tenerife, and he is waiting anxiously for a return to action when safe to do so.

“It needs to be approved by an official organisation that can guarantee safe conditions in training, so that we don’t have problems upon our return. We are all keen to start, but with some demanding safety measures. My family are ok. In the end, what leaves you most worried is the uncertainty over when we will be able to have a certain amount of a normal life, and do things like go out, walk around etc. Those are things that we didn’t value before, but which are so valuable after so long inside.”