The 2012-13 campaign delivered an immediate and vital return to the top flight for Villarreal as El Submarino Amarillo clinched 2nd place in the Segunda División, securing instant promotion back to La Liga. Leading the charge was the clinical Nigerian striker Ikechukwu Uche, whose 14 goals proved decisive in a campaign built on a strong resurgence, particularly after the mid-season arrival of manager Marcelino. It was a defiant year, rebounding from the heartache of relegation, that marked the club's successful fight to recover their top-flight status and remains a defining chapter in their modern history.