On A Day Like Today: Valencia CF's first Copa

On June 29th, 1941, Valencia CF won their first Copa after beating Espanyol 3-1 at Chamartín. It was the first of the eight domestic cup wins in the club's history.

The season had started falteringly, with the team claiming just 1 point from a possible 9 and losing 10-3 to Sevilla in a painful defeat, but Valencia CF would end the campaign with 11 wins and 5 draws, giving them confidence for the cup. They reached their second ever final after eliminating Athletic, Sevilla and Celta Vigo, and had the reigning holders Espanyol standing in their way.

Coach Encinas fielded a lineup of Pío, Juan Ramón, Álvaro, Lelé, Sierra, Bertolí, Gorostiza, Asensi, Mundo, Amadeo and Epi.

The opening goal came from Mundo in the 9th minute of play, and he scored a second off a corner from Gorostiza.

Despite holding an advantage on the scoresheet, Valencia CF continued to pressure Espanyol after the break, aware of the opportunity they had to win the cup. They made it 3-1 in the 64th minute, as Asensi found the net to make things more comfortable.

Espanyol would pull one back through a Teruel penalty with 15 minutes remaining, but Valencia CF handled the final stages well to contain their opponents. Mundo and captain Juan Ramón went up to the stands to claim the cup -the first such silverware in the club's illustrious history.