The 2001-02 campaign was a season of profound disappointment for Real Zaragoza, delivering a crushing 20th-place finish in La Liga that resulted in relegation to the Spanish Segunda División. Despite the individual contributions of joint top scorers Roberto Acuña and the high-profile Savo Milošević, who each notched 6 crucial goals, the team struggled for consistency and failed to maintain their top-flight status. It was a painful year of transition that remains an uncomfortable chapter in the history of Los Maños.. The 2002-03 campaign delivered immediate salvation and a powerful return to the top flight for Real Zaragoza, as Los Maños secured a hard-fought 2nd-place finish in the Segunda División, clinching immediate promotion back to La Liga after just one season in the second tier. Leading the charge was the prolific forward Yordi, whose 16 goals proved decisive in a campaign built on sheer grit and a determination to rise again. This pivotal season, which also saw the arrival of the emerging young star David Villa, marked the club's successful comeback and remains a defining chapter in their modern history.