In the 2005 season, the Xeneizes experienced a historic year, capturing both the Apertura and Clausura titles to sweep the Argentine First Division, while also achieving 80 points in a season for the first time since 1999. In international competition, they successfully defended their Copa Sudamericana title by defeating Pumas UNAM on penalties. Key contributors to this remarkable success included star forwards Rodrigo Palacio and Martín Palermo, creative midfielder Federico Insúa, and reliable goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri.