The 2000-01 campaign was a season of dramatic, late-season survival for Real Sociedad, with urdinak finishing 13th in La Liga and securing their top-flight status under manager John Toshack. Leading the attack was the Lithuanian centre-forward Edgaras Jankauskas, whose 11 goals were vital, including a crucial strike in the dramatic 3-1 Basque Derby victory over rivals Athletic Club that sealed their safety, and the year also saw the emergence of a future legend in a teenage Xabi Alonso.