During the summer, with Paulo Futre as director of football, appointed club legend Luis Aragonés as the new head coach on 31 May 2001.

The main reason for his arrival was clinching the last season a UEFA Champions League spot for underdogs Mallorca, and now had the mission of saving Atletico from the Segunda División.

Owing to financial troubles, Futre transferred several players out the squad, including top goalscorer Salva to Valencia in exchange for Uruguayan striker Diego Alonso[2], and young playmaker Hugo Leal to Paris Saint-Germain, as well as an additional 14 players.

Finally, on 27 April 2002, the team clinched the promotion to La Liga[4] after two years in the Segunda División.

[5] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.