The 1997-98 campaign was a pivotal season of consolidation for Espanyol, with Los Pericos securing a respectable 10th-place finish in La Liga, which was enough to earn a spot in the UEFA Intertoto Cup second round. Leading the line was the powerful Argentinian forward Juan Esnáider, whose 13 crucial goals proved vital in a campaign built on defensive solidity and a hard-working core. This season is also remembered as the year that saw the debut of future club legend Raúl Tamudo and highlighted the successful youth academy, whose young players, including Sergio González and Quique de Lucas, were called upon for the summer Intertoto Cup campaign.