Atlético de Madrid firmly re-established itself in La Liga, thanks to a seventh-place finish.

The season saw Fernando Torres taking another step towards superstardom, scoring 19 goals in the season during which he turned 20 years, which led to a call-up to the Spain national team for UEFA Euro 2004.

The finish was still not enough to satisfy the owner family Gil, resulting in coach Gregorio Manzano unexpectedly getting the sack.