The 2008-09 campaign was a seismic turning point for Olympique Lyonnais as Les Gones finally relinquished their Ligue 1 crown after an historic seven consecutive titles, finishing 3rd under new manager Claude Puel. This season, the club's last without a major trophy for nine years, was defined by the stunning emergence and poignant farewell of academy star Karim Benzema, whose 17 league goals secured him the top scorer title. Despite reaching the Champions League Round of 16, where they were eliminated by the eventual winners FC Barcelona, the year is most remembered as the emotional final act for two legends, as both Benzema and captain Juninho departed the club, officially closing the curtain on Lyon's golden era.