The 1996-97 campaign delivered a spectacular rebirth for Bayer Leverkusen as Die Werkself, under the charismatic new manager Christoph Daum, surged to a magnificent 2nd-place finish in the Bundesliga, their highest ever at that time, securing their first UEFA Champions League qualification. Leading the charge was the legendary striker Ulf Kirsten, whose phenomenal 22 goals earned him the Golden Boot, partnered brilliantly by Paulo Sérgio’s 17 goals in a campaign built on thrilling, attacking football and memorable victories, including a 5-2 dismantling of rivals Bayern Munich. It was a pivotal year that marked the true beginning of a new era of consistent challenge for the club.