🔙 THROWBACK THURSDAY: Pablo Aimar's Valentine's Day debut

February 14th, 2001 was not just any Valentine's Day for Mestalla. It was the night that Pablo  Aimar made his debut for Valencia CF. The Argentinian midfielder had joined the club in the final days of the January transfer window from River Plate, but would not feature until mid-February. Coach Héctor Cúper decided that the time for his first appearance would be a big occasion: A Champions League game at Mestalla against Manchester United.

Wearing the number 22 shirt for one of the only times in his career, Aimar was undaunted by the circumstances. His confident touches and runs past the likes of Roy Keane and Jaap Stam captivated Mestalla, and immediately won over the fans.

The match ended 0-0, but despite a lack of goals that night is still remembered as a happy one for Valencia CF: The Valentine's night in which Pablo Aimar made Mestalla fall in love.