The 2008-09 campaign was a dramatic season of turmoil, triumph, and historic change for RCD Espanyol, with Los Pericos transforming a desperate relegation battle into a solid 10th-place finish in La Liga. The year saw three different managers, with the appointment of club legend Mauricio Pochettino in January sparking an incredible turnaround after the team had fallen into the relegation zone. Spearheading the late charge was club icon Raúl Tamudo, whose 6 league goals included a memorable hat-trick in the final league game against Málaga, which was also the emotional farewell to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The season is further immortalized by the team's stunning 2-1 victory over rivals Barcelona at Camp Nou, their first Derbi Barceloní win there in 27 years, marking a dramatic and memorable chapter of resilience in the club's history.