On A Day Like Today: Valencia CF win their fifth Copa del Rey

On June 30th, 1979, Valencia CF lifted the club’s fifth Copa del Rey. They played Real Madrid in the final, a side in form who had just become LaLiga champions.

The fans were hungry for silverware, and some 25,000 VCF supporters flocked to the Vicente Calderón stadium where the contest was held.

The game became known as the ‘Senyera’ final, as the team wore a special kit with the colour scheme of the Valencian regional flag. Manzanedo, Carrete, Cerveró, Ricardo Arias, Botubot, Saura, Castellanos, Solsona, Felman and Kempes formed the starting XI.

When the match kicked off, Valencia CF struck the first blow, overwhelming Real Madrid and demonstrating their solidity and effectiveness.

It led to a 0-2 victory, with both goals scored by Mario Kempes. It was one of the Argentinian striker’s most famous performances, although Real Madrid could have pulled back level when Quique Wolff's shot crashed into the post.

That Valencia CF side won three trophies in the space of just a year and a half (the Copa del Rey, European Cup Winners Cup and European Supercup) and captivated the hearts of the fans.