The 2002-03 campaign delivered the dramatic return of Atlético Madrid to La Liga under legendary coach Luis Aragonés, following their promotion from the Segunda División. Los Colchoneros secured a mid-table finish, ending 12th, and reached the Copa del Rey Quarter-finals. The season was most defined by the stunning emergence of 18-year-old Fernando Torres, 'El Niño,' who became the top goalscorer with 13 league goals in his debut top-flight season and marked the beginning of a new era at the Vicente Calderón.