The 2000-01 campaign, Athletic Bilbao's centenary season, was one of managerial transition and frustration as Los Leones finished a disappointing 12th in La Liga, their lowest position in five years. Despite the return of club legend Txetxu Rojo as coach, who departed at the season's end, the team failed to find consistency. Leading the attack and providing a spark was the powerful striker Ismael Urzaiz, whose 10 crucial league goals anchored the side in a turbulent year that remains a chapter of rebuilding and mid-table consolidation.