The 2000-01 campaign delivered an exceptional season of consolidation for Málaga as the Boquerones surged to an impressive 8th-place finish in La Liga, bringing them within touching distance of a European place. Leading the charge was the prolific Panamanian Julio Dely Valdés, whose 16 goals anchored the lethal 'Double D' strike force he formed with Darío Silva. The campaign was defined by thrilling moments, including Dely Valdés's hat-trick (featuring a famous bicycle kick) against European runners-up Valencia, and Darío Silva scoring one of the quickest goals in Spanish football history. It was a crucial year that saw the club establish its position in the top flight, a defining chapter that also featured Francisco Rufete earning a call-up to the Spain National Team.