Deportivo 2001–02 Season
The 2001–02 season produced Deportivo de La Coruña’s finest overall campaign — arguably the most complete season by any Spanish club that year. Runners-up in La Liga with 70 points, winners of the Copa del Rey, and reaching the Champions League quarter-finals, Deportivo under Javier Irureta demonstrated that the 1999–2000 title was no one-season wonder.
Diego Tristán was sensational — finishing as La Liga’s top scorer with 21 goals. Juan Carlos Valerón was at his creative peak, providing assists and performances of genuine brilliance that earned him widespread recognition as one of Europe’s finest midfielders. The Copa del Rey triumph — defeating Real Madrid in the final — added another piece of silverware to the already-crowded trophy cabinet.
Only a narrow Champions League exit to AC Milan prevented a treble that would have placed this Deportivo side among the truly elite club sides in modern European football history.
Key Facts
| Manager | Javier Irureta |
|---|---|
| Top Scorer | Diego Tristán (21 goals) |
| Copa del Rey | Copa del Rey: Winner |
| European | CL R16 |
Season Statistics
| League | Position | Pts | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primera División | 2nd | 70 | 22 | 4 | 12 | 65 | 43 | +22 |