On A Day Like Today: Angulo heads Valencia CF to the top of the table

On April 11th, 2004, a goal from Miguel Ángel Angulo against Real Zaragoza put Valencia CF top of the LaLiga table. Just six games remained in the league season, and the Asturian’s second half header was perhaps one of the most important of his successful career at the club.

In the 69th minute of action, Jorge López sent a free kick into the box, and Angulo met it to nod past Lainez in the Zaragoza goal. The response was one of wild celebration at La Romareda from the visiting fans, which only increased at the end of the game, including the memorable sight of then-president Jaume Ortí running onto the pitch and putting on an orange wig thrown to him by a fan.

Valencia CF played with Cañizares in goal; Curro Torres, Amedeo Carboni, Carlos Marchena and Roberto Ayala in defence; David Albelda, Sissoko, Jorge López and Vicente in midfield; and Mista partnering Angulo up top. Rubén Baraja, Xisco Muñoz and Rufete also made appearances as substitutes.

The win took them top on Matchday 32, as Real Madrid lost at home to Osasuna.

“It was one of the few headed goals I scored, which is why I remember it so well. It was one of those magical nights that the Valencia CF fans were able to enjoy. We knew in that moment that we could go on to become LaLiga champions. I also remember the image of the celebration, in which Jaume Ortiz put on the wig and went onto the pitch to dedicate the win to the fans. I think it was one of those magical nights that Valencia CF fans will remember forever,” Angulo recalls.

Valencia CF would go on to win the title, as well as the UEFA Cup, in the season in which they were named Best Club In The World.