Deportivo's league title also qualified them for the 2000–01 UEFA Champions League, the first time in their history they had entered Europe's elite competition. Their debut began well, as they went undefeated in their six first group stage matches to progress as group winners, ahead of Hamburg, Juventus and Panathinaikos. In the second group stage, they were drawn against Galatasaray, Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, and once again progressed as group winners.[5] They came up against English side Leeds United in the quarter-finals, and gave themselves an uphill task by losing the first leg 3–0 at Elland Road. Despite a 2–0 victory in the second leg, Depor were eliminated 3–2 on aggregate.[6]
The champions couldn't quite match their previous performance in La Liga, although they were still able to finish as runners-up, seven points behind Real Madrid. The real disappointment of the season was saved for the Copa del Rey, where Deportivo were beaten 3–2 by Segunda División side Tenerife in the round of 32,[7] marking their earliest exit from the competition since 1992–93.
Players
Squad
[8]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
[9]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
[9]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
