On A Day Like Today: Tendillo keeps VCF in the Primera División

May 1, 1983, was salvation day for Valencia CF, who earned top flight survival thanks to a header by Miguel Tendillo. The situation was one of the toughest that a LaLiga side could face at the time: Playing against a Real Madrid side competing for the title, on the last day of the season, with other result also needing to go their way.

Tendillo's 39th minute knock past Agustín proved to be the winning goal,  in front of a capacity crowd at Mestalla. The gate was a new record of 45 million pesetas, and not a single fan in attendance could rest easy until the final whistle. Glued to their radios, they were listening out for the results from the other grounds.

The other scorelines trickled through. UD Las Palmas lost 1-5 to Athletic Club. Celta Vigo were beaten 3-1 away to Valladolid. Racing Santander fell 3-1 to Atletico Madrid.

Concern turned to elation when the game finally concluded. The supporters let out a roar of delight, Valencia CF players celebrated on the pitch, whilst Real Madrid trudged off, having conceded the title to Athletic Club.

The home team would stay in the top flight for another season, with Tendillo -a proud Valencian- overjoyed to have played such an important part in a massive moment for the club.