Mario Kempes legacy highlighted by Valencia CF historical records

Historical milestones regarding Mario Kempes and Valencia CF are being noted as the club prepares for its upcoming season. Records show that the opening match at Mestalla against Celta Vigo has only occurred once before, fifty years ago during the 1976-77 La Liga season, where Kempes scored both goals in a 2-0 victory.

Kempes's tenure at Valencia began in the summer of 1976. His debut at Mestalla took place in August 1976 during the Trofeo Naranja against CSKA Moscow. Over seven seasons with the club, the Argentine striker secured multiple titles, including a Copa del Rey, a European Cup Winners' Cup, and a UEFA Super Cup. His career reached a global peak in 1978 when, while playing for Valencia, he led Argentina to a World Cup title, earning both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball.