The 2011-12 campaign was a stunning, Cinderella-story season for Levante as Granotas, operating on one of La Liga's smallest budgets, clinched a spectacular 6th-place finish to secure their first-ever qualification for European competition. The team, masterfully led by coach Juan Ignacio Martínez, enjoyed an unforgettable start to the season, briefly topping the league after securing a famous victory over the mighty Real Madrid. Leading the charge was the prolific forward Arouna Koné, whose 15 league goals were vital, and whose contribution was so crucial that the club was reportedly forced to stop playing him to prevent him from reaching 18 goals, which would have triggered a contractual return to Sevilla. It was a golden year that marked the club's greatest achievement and remains a defining chapter for the Granotas faithful.