rostock had a very poor first half in the 2004–05 season, earning only 1 win and 5 draws in 17 matches. they were unable to recover despite the late arrival of finnish striker jari litmanen and at season's end were relegated, leaving the former gdr without a club in the top flight for the first time since re-unification. like other east german teams, they were the victims of a harsh economic reality as the wealthier, well-established western sides bought up the most talented eastern footballers as their clubs struggled to survive financially: rostock's stefan beinlich, oliver neuville and victor agali were just three players sent west in exchange for cash. after two years in the 2. bundesliga, the club returned to the top-flight for the 2007–08 season, but was again relegated.