When the Civil War ended in 1939, Athletic Club de Madrid, decimated sportingly and economically, had to play in the Second Division after relegation in 1936. However, a merger with Aviación Nacional, an Air Force team formed during the conflict, led to the name change to Athletic-Aviación Club.
With the best footballers from both teams, the club faced a promotion match against Osasuna for its return to the First Division, after Oviedo gave up its place due to the destruction of its field. They won 3-1 in Valencia.
