The 2017-18 campaign was a season of spectacular resurgence for Bayer Leverkusen, with Die Werkself finishing a strong 5th in the Bundesliga and securing a crucial spot in the Europa League group stage. Spearheaded by the clinical forward Kevin Volland, whose 14 goals topped the scoring charts, the team under manager Heiko Herrlich also saw the breakout brilliance of young talents like Leon Bailey and Kai Havertz, the latter becoming the youngest player to assist three goals in one game. Despite a slow start, the side mounted a strong run, also reaching the DFB-Pokal semi-finals. It remains a memorable, defining chapter of transition, highlighted by the reunion of the Bender twins and the emotional farewell of club icon Stefan Kießling.