The 1997-98 campaign was an unforgettable European adventure for Bastia as Les Bleus clinched a respectable 9th-place finish in Division 1. The season's true glory came on the continental stage when, under manager Frédéric Antonetti, the team won the UEFA Intertoto Cup. This monumental triumph, sealed by Ousmane Soumah's dramatic diving header in extra time, propelled the club into the UEFA Cup where they secured a memorable win against Benfica before being eliminated in the second round. Leading the domestic charge were joint-top scorers Ardian Kozniku and Ermin Šiljak, whose 5 goals each provided the attacking spark in a campaign that remains a cherished chapter in Bastia's modern history.. The 1998-99 campaign for Bastia was a season of turbulent consolidation in Division 1, with Les Bleus ultimately finishing 13th after navigating three managerial changes. Spearheading the attack and providing a consistent focal point was the newly-signed centre-forward Frédéric Née, whose 11 crucial league goals anchored the team. The season's defining chapter was the club's run to the semi-finals of the UEFA Intertoto Cup, which provided a welcome distraction and a taste of European success before falling short. This year, marked by inconsistency on the pitch and off-field drama, remains a testament to the club's grit and laid the foundation for the seasons that followed.