The 2018-19 campaign saw Les Gones secure a crucial 3rd-place finish in Ligue 1, guaranteeing a return to the Champions League group stage. The attack was brilliantly spearheaded by the new centre-forward, Moussa Dembélé, who delivered 20 goals across all competitions (including 15 in the league) in his debut season, replacing the departed Mariano Díaz. Under manager Bruno Génésio, a defining narrative was their memorable Champions League run, which saw them secure a shock 2-1 victory against Manchester City in the group stage, before their adventure ended in the Round of 16 against Barcelona. The year, which also featured the excellent form of 'Player of the Season' Memphis Depay and was cemented by Dembélé's last-gasp winning goal in the unforgettable Derby against Saint-Étienne, marked a pivotal season that continued the club's long run of European qualification.