The 2017-18 campaign was a season of soaring hope and high drama for Sporting Gijón, culminating in a spectacular 4th-place finish in the Segunda División and securing a coveted promotion play-off spot. After a mid-season managerial change, the Rojiblancos, led by manager Rubén Baraja, mounted an incredible charge marked by an unforgettable 12-match unbeaten run. Spearheading the attack was the prolific Uruguayan loanee Michael Santos, whose 17 goals proved vital in a season where the club also celebrated the passionate return of the Asturian derby against Oviedo after a 14-year absence, cementing this campaign as a high point of renewed ambition.