A Season Of Near Misses

Bayer 04 Leverkusen's Historic 2001-02 Season

A Season of Near Misses

The 2001-02 season was a memorable one for Bayer 04 Leverkusen, as they became only the second club in history to finish runner-up in both the Champions League and domestic league and cup competitions. Despite their impressive performances, the team ultimately came up short in all three competitions.

Bundesliga

In the Bundesliga, Leverkusen finished second behind Borussia Dortmund, despite amassing an impressive 69 points. The team had a strong home record, losing only once at the BayArena. However, they struggled on the road, winning just six of their 17 away games.

Champions League

Leverkusen's run to the Champions League final was particularly impressive. They defeated some of Europe's top clubs, including Manchester United and Barcelona, on their way to the final. However, they were ultimately defeated by Real Madrid 2-1 in the final.

DFB-Pokal

The team also reached the final of the DFB-Pokal, Germany's domestic cup competition. They defeated several top-flight clubs, including Hamburg and Bayern Munich, on their way to the final. However, they lost 4-2 to Schalke 04 in the final.

Squad

Leverkusen's squad for the 2001-02 season featured several talented players, including:

• Hans-Jörg Butt (GK)
• Lúcio (DF)
• Juan (DF)
• Mehmet Scholl (MF)
• Michael Ballack (MF)
• Oliver Neuville (FW)
• Ulf Kirsten (FW)

Conclusion

While the 2001-02 season was ultimately a disappointing one for Leverkusen, it was also a season that showcased the team's potential. The team's impressive performances in all three competitions proved that they were one of the best teams in Europe. With a few more key additions, they could be a major force in the years to come.