Super Depor: The making of a legend

In the golden pages of Spanish football, there is a chapter that shines with a special glow: the story of Deportivo de La Coruña, affectionately known as "Super Depor". In the 1990s and early 2000s, this modest team from Galicia became an overwhelming force, sculpting its legend with talent, determination and a pinch of magic.

Super Depor's rise began to take shape in the club's offices, with the bold vision of Augusto César Lendoiro, the club's president since 1988. Lendoiro understood that to transform Deportivo into a serious contender, he needed a combination of talented players, a visionary coach and a passionate fan base.

The first step was to attract key figures such as Mauro Silva and Bebeto, two Brazilians who brought class and forcefulness. The arrival of coach Arsenio Iglesias, a man of the house, provided the stability and wisdom necessary to consolidate the team. Iglesias, with his deep knowledge of football and his ability to inspire his players, became the architect of the first successes.

The Riazor Stadium, with its vibrant atmosphere and unconditional fans, was the stage where Super Depor's exploits were forged. The 1993-1994 season marked the beginning of a glorious era. Under Iglesias, Deportivo came close to winning its first Liga title, only to see its dreams dashed in the dying moments by a missed penalty that remained etched in the collective memory as "Djukic's penalty."

Far from being demoralised, the team used this bitter experience as fuel for future success. In 1995, Deportivo won the Copa del Rey, its first major title, after an epic final against Valencia that was decided in a play-off match. It was a triumph that sealed the identity of a resilient team, capable of overcoming adversity.

The arrival of coach Javier Irureta in 1998 was the catalyst that took Deportivo to its zenith. Irureta, with his tactical approach and his ability to manage egos and talents, forged a team that combined discipline and creativity. In the 1999-2000 season, Deportivo was crowned champion of the Spanish League for the first time in its history, challenging giants such as Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Super Depor had a host of stars: the Brazilian Djalminha, an unpredictable genius; Fran, the captain and soul of the team; Roy Makaay, the tireless goalscorer; and Víctor Sánchez, a lung in the midfield. Each of them contributed their grain of sand to build a perfectly oiled machine.

Super Depor's successes were not limited to Spain. In the Champions League, Deportivo became a feared rival. The historic comeback against AC Milan in the quarter-finals of the 2003-2004 season, where Deportivo overturned a 4-1 deficit to win 4-0 at Riazor, is one of the most memorable feats of the competition.

The decline of Super Depor came gradually, as iconic players retired or sought new horizons. However, the mark of that golden era remains indelible. Deportivo de La Coruña, a humble club from Galicia, showed that with vision, hard work and a little magic, it is possible to challenge the titans and write its own chapter in football history.

Super Depor was not just a football team; it was a symbol of hope and perseverance. In every corner of Riazor, echoes of those magical nights still resonate, reminding us that, in sport, impossible dreams can become reality.