Bayer Leverkusen’s Near Treble: The Story of Football’s ‘Neverkusen’ Curse

In the early 2000s, Bayer Leverkusen, led by Klaus Toppmoller, reached the 2002 Champions League final but lost to Real Madrid. Despite finishing runners-up in Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal, they won no trophies. Known as ‘Neverkusen,’ the club’s near treble dream ended in disappointment, highlighting their reputation for falling just short of major titles.