A season of two halves for Bayer Leverkusen who spent majority of the first half of the campaign in the bottom half of the table but a change at the helm turned their fortunes around, with the club finally achieving their minimum aim of Champions League football by securing the fourth spot on the final day of the season.
Bayer got their campaign off to a poor start under Heiko Herrlich, showing glimpses of quality but were inconsistent throughout the first half of the season and headed into the winter break sitting ninth in the table. The club decided to part ways with Herrlich and appointed Peter Bosz as his replacements and the form immediately picked up and Bayer dropped just two points from their final six games to pip Gladbach to the fourth place
Kevin Volland once again led the attack admirably for Bayer but it was Kai Havertz's performances that were crucial for their fortunes with the midfielder top scoring with 17 goals.
While Bayer did catch the eye with their quick attacks, a porous defense almost cost them a Champions League spot with the club having the joint worst defensive record in the top half of the table.
They have already lost a key player in Julian Brandt while there are question marks over Leon Bailey and Havertz's futures as well, leaving Bosz and Bayer with a critical summer ahead if they are to ensure another top four finish next season
