The 1998-99 campaign delivered a competitive season for Real Madrid as Los Blancos secured a strong 2nd-place finish in La Liga and Champions League qualification despite managerial turmoil. Leading the charge was the sensational forward Raúl, whose league-leading 25 goals anchored the attack and proved decisive. The season, built on the talent of a squad featuring Roberto Carlos and Fernando Hierro, was marked by the sacking of Guus Hiddink and an exit to Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League Quarter-finals, though the club did win the Intercontinental Cup. It was a turbulent yet successful year that secured their elite status.