The 2003-04 campaign was a season of dramatic, agonizing contrast for Celta Vigo, as the debut European dream directly led to domestic disaster. Os Celestes enjoyed an unforgettable run to the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League in their first-ever appearance, eliminating Slavia Prague to reach the group stage and eventually losing to Arsenal in the knockout phase, but their La Liga form spectacularly collapsed. This over-extension culminated in a crushing 19th-place finish and a shocking relegation to the Segunda División. Leading the fight was the on-loan striker Savo Milošević, whose 14 crucial league goals were tragically not enough to save the team in a turbulent year that saw the end of the celebrated "EuroCelta" era.. The 2004-05 campaign delivered an immediate and hard-fought return to the top flight for Celta Vigo, with Os Celestes clinching a crucial 2nd-place finish in the Segunda División to secure promotion back to La Liga at the first attempt. Under the guidance of manager Fernando Vázquez, the promotion was dramatically confirmed with a 2-0 victory over UE Lleida, though they narrowly missed the league title on goal difference to Cádiz CF. Leading the charge were joint top scorers Jandro and the sensational attacking midfielder Fabián Canobbio, whose 12 goals apiece proved vital in a season built on grit and a relentless pursuit of redemption following the previous year's relegation. It was a vital year that marked the club's successful fight to restore its place in the Spanish elite.