The 2002-03 campaign delivered a stark reality check for Lille as Les Dogues finished a disappointing 14th in the newly-expanded 20-club Ligue 1, a significant drop-off from their previous high finish. Leading the charge for the inconsistent side was the Bulgarian striker Vladimir Manchev, whose 7 goals topped the team's low-scoring campaign of just 29 goals. Under manager Claude Puel, the year was defined by a struggle for consistency, a poor away record (only one away win), and a frustrating run to the UEFA Intertoto Cup semi-finals where they fell to Aston Villa. It was a turbulent, transitional chapter that fell far short of the club's European aspirations.