Rangel reminisces about one of his proudest days

Two years ago to the day, Angel Rangel experienced one of the proudest days in his Swansea City career.
On September 19, 2013, the right-back skippered the Swans to a stunning 3-0 win over Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium as the visitors made a dream start in the Europa League group stage.
Back on home soil, Rangel would lead his team out for the first time as captain Ashley Williams and vice-skipper Leon Britton were unavailable.
For a player who had been plucked out of the Spanish lower leagues, Rangel's return signalled his success story in British football.
After earning two promotions - including being named in the League One Team of the Year - and becoming a Premier League regular, the defender was now part of the Swans side competing in Europe thanks to the club's Capital One Cup success.



"It was the first time I had captained the team - it wasn't a bad start either!" beamed Rangel.
"With the achievements we have had, that is one of the greatest days.
"Of course, the wins at Wembley are unbeatable, but the win at Valencia sits just below them.
"It was a massive win against a big club in the Europa League, and it was in my own country.
"I left Spain in 2007 having played in the third tier and I returned seven years later as a Premier League footballer. It meant a lot for me.
"There were more Spanish players in our side than Valencia's team that day too, so it was a bit surreal."



The early signs were looking promising for the Swans - backed by 2,000 fans at the Mestalla - as Valencia defender Adil Rami was dismissed after ten minutes.
The Swans then ran riot with goals from Wilfried Bony, Michu and a stunning Jonathan de Guzman free-kick.
"We played really good football that day," added Rangel. "The atmosphere our fans created that day was amazing, and I'm sure they enjoyed the weather.
"The goals were fantastic too. Bony's early goal really settled us and I knew Michu would finish his chance for the second.
"And de Guzman's free-kick really rounded off one of the most memorable victories in our recent history.
"It was a great European campaign for us and a good adventure for all the fans, who followed us in numbers wherever we were."
After progressing through the group, which also included Swiss side St Gallen and Russian outfit Kuban Krasnodar, the Swans were knocked out in the last 32 by Napoli with the Italian side progressing 3-1 on aggregate.

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