50 years of Kempes' debut at Valencia
We commemorate the 50th anniversary of Mario Kempes' debut at Valencia, a pivotal moment in the club's history that turned him into one of the greatest idols of the fans. The Argentine debuted as a Valencianista in the Trofeo Taronja against CSKA Moscow on August 16, 1976, and eventually became one of the greatest idols in the club's history.
What happened?
The Argentine's debut ended with a 2-2 draw that the Valencian team lost in the penalty shootout. Despite this, Kempes became one of the greatest idols of the fans and a figure who has passed from generation to generation.
Why it matters for Valencia
Kempes' dimension transcended the club itself. In 1978, he was crowned world champion with Argentina and ended that World Cup as the top scorer, solidifying himself as one of the greatest stars in international football. Fifty years after that first game with Valencia, the Argentine's figure remains intact in the memory of the Valencianism.
What comes next?
Kempes played 246 official matches with Valencia, scoring 149 goals, figures that place him among the greatest goal-scorers in the entity's history. Additionally, he won three titles with the club: the 1979 Copa del Rey, the 1979-80 Recopa de Europa, and the 1980-81 Supercopa de Europa.
Currently, Valencia is in 14th place in the league, with 35 points and a -12 goal difference. We are 44 points behind the leaders, Barcelona.
