Leverkusen's Champions League Heartbreak: 20 Years On
A Bitter Memory
Twenty years ago, Bayer Leverkusen came agonizingly close to European glory. In the 2002 Champions League final, they faced Real Madrid at Hampden Park, Glasgow. However, in a cruel twist of fate, the German side fell short, losing 2-1.
Missed Opportunities
Leverkusen wasted no time taking the lead, with Lucio heading home in the 13th minute. But Real Madrid equalized before halftime through Raúl, and Zinedine Zidane's stunning volley in the second half proved to be the winning goal.
Painful Loss
The defeat dealt a devastating blow to Leverkusen, who had played with heart and determination throughout the tournament. They had eliminated some of Europe's top teams, including Manchester United and Liverpool, but ultimately came up just short of the ultimate prize.
Current Absence
In the years since that fateful night, Leverkusen have struggled to replicate their Champions League success. They have qualified for the competition several times but have never managed to reach the final again.
This season, Leverkusen are absent from the Champions League. They finished sixth in the Bundesliga, just outside of the qualification places. This serves as a reminder of the bittersweet memories of their 2002 run.
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