The 1998-99 campaign saw Die roten Teufel, the Bundesliga's defending champions, secure a respectable 5th-place finish and qualification for the UEFA Cup. Despite not replicating their miracle title run, the team achieved a memorable debut in the UEFA Champions League, topping their group before being eliminated by rivals Bayern Munich in the Quarter-finals. Leading the attack was the prolific Olaf Marschall with 12 goals, and the side featured the emerging talent of a young Michael Ballack, marking a challenging yet strong season under manager Otto Rehhagel.