The 2005-06 campaign delivered a devastating end to an era for Málaga as the Boquerones finished a crushing 20th in La Liga, resulting in relegation to the Spanish Segunda División after seven consecutive seasons in the top flight. Despite an early season high point, a memorable 5-0 thrashing of rivals Real Betis, the team's form spiraled amid turbulence and a mid-season managerial change, leading to a traumatic, last-place finish with only five wins in 38 games. Leading the line as the club's top league scorer was the returning fan-favorite Salva Ballesta, whose 6 goals proved insufficient in a painful and defining chapter that ended their time among Spain's football elite.