The 1999-00 campaign delivered an extraordinary, historic season for Deportivo Alavés as Babazorros, in only their second campaign back in the top flight, surged to a spectacular 6th-place finish in La Liga. This remarkable position secured the club's first-ever qualification for the UEFA Cup. The campaign was built on a defensive masterclass, with goalkeeper Martín Herrera winning the prestigious Zamora Trophy for the lowest goals-to-games conceded ratio, and was anchored up front by veteran centre-forward Julio Salinas, whose 8 goals were pivotal in his final professional season. It was a memorable and surprising year of over-achievement that laid the foundation for the club's unforgettable run to the UEFA Cup final the following season.