The 2003–04 season was the 103rd season in Athletic Bilbao's history and their 73rd consecutive season in La Liga, the top division of Spanish football.
Season summary
At the end of the previous season, head coach Jupp Heynckes left his position to return to his native Germany as manager of Schalke 04. B team coach Ernesto Valverde, who also represented Athletic during his playing career, was promoted in his place.
Valverde's first season in charge saw a successful La Liga campaign, as Bilbao finished in fifth place and qualified for the 2004–05 UEFA Cup. This constituted their best league placing and first European qualification for six years.
Athletic were somewhat less successful in the Copa del Rey, suffering a humiliating defeat in their first match at the hands of Segunda División B side Gimnástica de Torrelavega. This marked their earliest exit from the cup since 1993–94.
Squad statistics Appearances and goals
Results La Liga
League table
See also 2003–04 La Liga 2003–04 Copa del Rey
External links
References