The club finished in a disappointing fourth place, two points below Champion Valencia CF coached by former Real Madrid' star Alfredo Di Stéfano.

[1] In 1971 Copa del Generalísimo the squad as Defending Champion was early eliminated in Round of 32 by Deportivo La Coruña on away goals.

The team played the 7th final in Europe, a record at the time,[3] first a draw 1–1 after extra time,[4] and then, lost the 1971 European Cup Winners' Cup Final trophy against Chelsea F.C.

After 18 years as club player, clinching 12 league titles, 2 Copa del Generalísimo and 6 European Cups Francisco Gento is retired at the end of this season.

[6] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.