The 2013-14 campaign delivered a crucial return to European football for Bayer Leverkusen as Die Werkself secured a competitive 4th-place finish in the Bundesliga, qualifying for the Champions League play-off round. Leading the charge was veteran centre-forward Stefan Kießling, whose 15 league goals were vital, and whose season was defined by the infamous 'phantom goal'. Despite a mid-season slump that led to a managerial change from Sami Hyypiä, the attacking flair of players like Son Heung-min and Sidney Sam ensured the campaign was a defining chapter in the club's consistent push for Europe.