The 2004-05 campaign delivered a devastating end to an era for Bastia, as Les Bleus finished a crushing 19th in Ligue 1, resulting in their relegation to the second tier after 11 consecutive seasons. Leading the charge was forward Youssouf Hadji, whose 7 league goals proved vital in a desperate campaign built on a turbulent managerial carousel and the high-profile but ultimately unsuccessful signing of World Cup winner Christian Karembeu in the winter. It was an unforgettable year that saw the historic club fall to Ligue 2, marking a painful defining chapter in their modern history.