The 2001-02 campaign delivered a season of return and renewed ambition for Athletic Bilbao as Los Leones climbed back into the top half of La Liga, finishing 9th under the experienced guidance of returning manager Jupp Heynckes. Leading the charge was the powerful centre-forward Ismael Urzaiz, whose 16 league goals, part of his 18-goal haul across all competitions, proved decisive in restoring stability. The team also enjoyed a strong run in the Copa del Rey, reaching the semi-finals, their best cup run in 15 years, marking a vital chapter of consolidation and hope for the faithful at San Mamés.. The 2002-03 campaign saw Athletic Bilbao, under the respected guidance of manager Jupp Heynckes, make a marked improvement in La Liga, clinching a respectable 7th-place finish, their highest position since the 1997-98 season. Leading the charge for Los Leones was the formidable striking partnership of club icons Joseba Etxeberria and Ismael Urzaiz, who both netted 14 goals, powering an attack that scored 63 league goals. The season was characterized by an exciting, high-scoring style of play, featuring a dramatic 4-3 away victory over Racing Santander, but it also saw a disappointing Copa del Rey exit to lower-division Basque rivals Real Unión. This solid year of domestic consolidation, which featured emerging talent like Asier del Horno alongside veterans like Julen Guerrero, reaffirmed the team's standing in the Spanish elite, and it marked the final season of Heynckes' second spell before his departure to Schalke 04.