Less shine but more spunk

Valencia's second Primera Liga title in three seasons proved to be a victory for the traditional values of good coaching, careful planning, ...

Valencia8217;s second Primera Liga title in three seasons proved to be a victory for the traditional values of good coaching, careful planning, team work and old-fashioned hard graft.

The triumph not only confirmed the club8217;s status as the best all-round team in Spain but also that of Rafa Benitez as one of the top coaches on the continent.

A former reserve team coach at Real Madrid, Benitez has built on the achievements of Hector Cuper and Claudio Ranieri to turn Valencia into one of the major powers in European football.

Some will inevitably choose to focus on Real Madrid8217;s late season implosion as the reason behind Valencia8217;s victory, but the fact is that Valencia sustained a relentless pace throughout the campaign and last year8217;s champions simply ran out of steam.

Part of the secret is that Benitez had at his disposal one the most well balanced squads in the Primera Liga.

The back four led by Argentine defensive rock Roberto Ayala and evergreen Italian veteran Amedeo Carboni have been in masterly form, conceding just 24 goals 8212; half the number let in by Real 8212; in the season. When a rare gap has appeared ever-reliable keeper Santiago Canizares has been on hand to provide another impressive obstacle.

In midfield Ruben Baraja and David Albelda are the most effective central pairing in the league and fellow Spanish international Vicente has been in outstanding form on the wing.

Story continues below this ad

Playmaker Aimar has enough tricks up his sleeve to unlock the most miserly defence, while up front Mista has made the most of a ready supply of ball to take his tally for the season to 19 goals.

Dedicated, supremely fit and with a fierce will to win Valencia have delighted their fans with the most fluent and entertaining football in the league. Few neutrals would begrudge Benitez and his men victory in this season8217;s championship, while many Real fans must be hoping their club will learn the lessons of Valencia8217;s success. Reuters