Back
20.05.2020Bayer 04

20 years ago: The drama of Unterhaching

Bayer 04 went into matchday 34 in the 1999/00 season as league leaders. One point would have been enough for the team under head coach Christoph Daum at newcomers SpVgg Unterhaching to secure the first Bundesliga title in the club’s history. Instead, the Werkself lost 2-0 at the team in tenth place on 20 May 2000 and Bayern Munich finished top of the league.

The team, staff and fans set off for the last game of the season with a three-point lead. The destination was Unterhaching’s Sportpark ground just outside Munich. The situation appeared to be straightforward: The hosts had secured their top-flight status early and were probably not likely to present many problems as a newly promoted club.

Second-placed FC Bayern did have a better goal difference than Leverkusen but were three points adrift ahead of their home game against Werder Bremen at the Olympic Stadium in Munich. Above all, Bayer 04 knew it was all in their own hands while the rivals were relying on a favour from their neighbours. 

Bayer 04 TV looks back 20 years later with Christoph Daum, Ulf Kirsten and Michael Ballack at the successful season and the last match at Unterhaching…

 

imago0005325252h.jpg
sky_comeback_300x250.jpg

Related News

Rolfes, Culbreath, Falkenberg
Bayer 04 - 29.01.2026

Bayer 04 extend contract with Germany U19 international Montrell Culbreath to 2030

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with Germany U19 international Montrell Culbreath. The attacking midfielder and right winger has penned a deal with the Bundesliga club that runs to 30 June 2030. Culbreath has played for the Werkself as a youth player since 2023. Last December, he scored his first Bundesliga goal for the Leverkusen first team in the Bayer 04 3-1 away win at RB Leipzig.

Show more
Die Werkself nach dem Heimsieg
Champions League - 29.01.2026

Werkself review #B04VIL: ‘A major interim goal’ achieved with a lot of control

The Werkself's 3-0 victory over Villarreal in the UEFA Champions League certainly left many happy faces: Malik Tillman was delighted with his brace, Robert Andrich with the clean sheet and coach Kasper Hjulmand with the "manner" of this significant home win. With an overwhelming superiority and over 75 per cent possession at times, Bayer 04 deserved their place in the UCL play-off round. They will face a familiar foe in February. The Werkself review.

Show more
Werkself seals playoff spot against Villarreal | 8th matchday UCL
Werkself-TV - 28.01.2026

TV highlights of the 3-0 win against Villarreal

Werkself TV shows highlights of the 3-0 win against FC Villarreal on matchday 8 in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 league phase...

Show more
Werkself beim Torjubel
Champions League - 28.01.2026

Werkself seal play-off spot with 3-0 win against Villarreal

The Champions League journey continues! On the eighth and final matchday of the league phase of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26, Bayer 04 secured their place in the play-offs with a commanding 3-0 win over Villarreal. Malik Tillman put in a mature and combative performance for Leverkusen, scoring a brace (12', 35') to make it 2-0 at the break, while Alejandro Grimaldo (57') and plenty of control of the game did the rest in the second half. The draw for the Werkself's next UCL opponents will take place on Friday 30 January at 12:00 CET.

Show more