The 2009-10 campaign delivered a triumphant season of consistency for Bayer Leverkusen as Die Werkself, under the astute management of Jupp Heynckes, finished a strong 4th in the Bundesliga, securing a coveted spot in the Europa League. Leading the charge was the powerful striker Stefan Kießling, whose career-best 21 league goals, enough to secure the Bundesliga Silver Boot, earned him a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Season. The season, which also saw the emergence of a young Toni Kroos and the veteran solidity of Sami Hyypiä, was built on exceptional form, including a club-record 11 away wins, and remains a defining chapter that returned the club to European competition.