The 2005-06 campaign was a season of dramatic resurgence and striking brilliance for Bayer Leverkusen as Die Werkself battled through early turmoil to secure a respectable 5th-place finish in the Bundesliga, which earned them a place in the UEFA Cup. The campaign was defined by the stunning, world-class form of Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov, whose clinical 21 goals anchored the attack, including an incredible 15 goals scored after the winter break. Despite a rocky start that included the sacking of coach Klaus Augenthaler and an early, disappointing exit from the UEFA Cup at the hands of CSKA Sofia, the team, under the guidance of new manager Michael Skibbe, displayed remarkable fighting spirit. Their second-half form was formidable, they collected more points than champions Bayern Munich, and cemented the club's status in European competition, marking a defining chapter of consistency and Berbatov's legendary goal-scoring prowess.. The 2006-07 campaign delivered a strong European push for Bayer Leverkusen as Die Werkself secured a 5th-place finish in the Bundesliga, qualifying for the UEFA Cup. The campaign was defined by the relentless attacking drive of forward Andriy Voronin, whose 10 goals led the scoring charts, and the sensational form of veteran playmaker Bernd 'Schnix' Schneider, whose brilliant technique and league-leading assists drove the team. Under manager Michael Skibbe, the club mounted a deep run to the UEFA Cup Quarter-Finals, and witnessed the dramatic, breakout emergence of young goalkeeper René Adler. It was a season built on grit, flair, and the promise of youth that cemented their status as a consistent European challenger.