The 2004-05 campaign was a dramatic, surprise title tilt for Schalke 04 as Die Knappen finished a spectacular 2nd in the Bundesliga, securing a coveted spot in the UEFA Champions League. Despite a turbulent start that saw manager Jupp Heynckes sacked and replaced by the largely unproven Ralf Rangnick, the team mounted a serious challenge against rivals Bayern Munich. Spearheading the attack was the star Brazilian striker Aílton Gonçalves, whose 14 league goals proved vital in a campaign also marked by the heartbreak of finishing as runners-up in the DFB-Pokal Final, losing 1-2 to Bayern. It was a competitive and defining year that re-established Schalke as a formidable force in German football.