The 2003-04 campaign delivered a season of dramatic dichotomy and profound change for FC Barcelona. Under new manager Frank Rijkaard and new president Joan Laporta, the arrival of star signing Ronaldinho injected hope into a struggling side that languished in 12th place at the winter break, a full 18 points behind rivals Real Madrid. The pivotal loan signing of Edgar Davids in January transformed the midfield, igniting a spectacular second-half resurgence. Blaugrana surged up the table, finishing 2nd in La Liga, propelled by Ronaldinho's 15 league goals and the foundation laid by future legends Xavi and a young Andrés Iniesta, signaling the glorious era to come.