2000 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup Final vs Rangers
A perfect night in Rotterdam where the Che secured their first major European trophy with a dominant 3-0 victory.
The 2000 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup Final stands as a crowning jewel in Valencia CF's modern history, marking the club's most significant European triumph to date. Played at the De Kuip in Rotterdam on May 17, 2000, this match saw the Che playing against Scottish giants Rangers FC. It was a clash of styles and eras, where Valencia's disciplined defense and clinical counter-attacking, orchestrated by manager Héctor Cúper, dismantled a Rangers side that had recently dominated domestic Scottish football.
- date
- May 17, 2000
- venue
- De Kuip, Rotterdam
- competition
- UEFA Cup Winners' Cup Final
- opponent
- Rangers FC
- scoreline
- 3-0
- scorers
- Gaizka Mendieta (2), Juan Antonio Pizzi
- manager
- Héctor Cúper
Lore & Background
The narrative of the match is defined by the brilliance of Gaizka Mendieta. The Spanish playmaker was the architect of the night, scoring two crucial goals that broke Rangers' spirit before halftime. His performance, combined with the defensive solidity of players like Alfonso and Kily González, rendered the Scottish attack toothless. This triumph ended a long drought for European silverware at Valencia, uniting the city in celebration and establishing a golden era that would see them reach another Champions League final just two years later.
In Their Own Story
The floodlights of De Kuip hummed against the cool Dutch evening air as the whistle blew. Gaizka Mendieta received the ball near the halfway line, his eyes scanning for space. He didn't need to look far; the Rangers defense was already disorganized by Valencia's relentless pressure. With a deft touch and a burst of acceleration, he slipped past a defender, squared the pass to Pizzi, and watched as the net bulged. The roar of the traveling Valencian fans shook the stadium, a sound that grew louder with every passing minute until the final whistle confirmed their glory.
Reader's Guide
The match began with Valencia asserting immediate control through their characteristic high-intensity pressing. Rangers struggled to find rhythm in midfield against the disciplined structure set up by Cúper. The deadlock was broken early when Gaizka Mendieta capitalized on a defensive error, firing home Valencia's first goal to send shockwaves through the Scottish camp. Valencia refused to let up, and before halftime, Mendieta struck again with a composed finish, doubling the lead and effectively sealing the game. The second half saw Rangers attempt to mount a comeback, but they were met with a resolute defensive wall led by Alfonso and Kily González. Juan Antonio Pizzi added a third goal late in the match to cap off a perfect performance. Post-match reactions were jubilant across Valencia City. Fans flooded the streets of the Turia riverbed and Plaza de la Virgen, celebrating their team's first major European trophy. The victory was hailed as a testament to Cúper's tactical genius and the collective spirit of the squad.
Did You Know?
- This was the last ever UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final before the competition was discontinued in 1999-2000.
- Gaizka Mendieta scored two goals, becoming a hero of the night and cementing his legendary status at Valencia.
- Valencia became only the second Spanish club to win this specific European trophy after Real Madrid in 1985.
- The victory ended a 23-year wait for a major European title for Valencia CF.