Leverkusen is showing a pretty good performance at the moment in the Bundesliga, but on the contrary the first defeat of the season they got in the Europa League against a team that has never been the favorite to win the Europa League, the defeat to Atlanta of course indicates that the mentality possessed by Leverkusen is not enough to compete in the current European competition, this season Leverkusen failed in Europe after the lack of mentality they have so that our doubts arise To be able to see them go far in the Champions League next season, as you said, of course at the moment Leverkusen still needs to improve the quality of the squad they have to maintain their Bundesliga champion status and also compete in the Champions League next season.
Currently it is reported that some Leverkusen players are starting to be approached by big European teams, so if Leverkusen loses some of their main players this season, of course it will be very risky for Leverkusen, in addition to having to maintain the current squad, of course Leverkusen must bring in several other players who are able to improve their mentality and performance next season, I personally see if maybe Leverkusen is still able to compete in the top 4 of the Bundesliga next season, but competing for the title again certainly seems impossible because currently Bayern Munich is starting to improve their squad.
The fact that Bayern Leverkusen were undefeated until the final of the competition shows that they are very strong. However, a team that competes for a full season and is still beaten till the final is not a weak team, and that doesn’t mean they won’t perform as we are saying in the champions league.
I believe they can do it even in the champions league competition, even if they will perform the same as they are doing in the Bundesliga, because I know the Champions League has many more strong teams than the Bundesliga that Leverkusen have already used to, so the thing here is that Leverkusen will not be beaten in the champions league, but with their current status of performance, I believe even if they don't top the table, they will nearly make it to the top.
Leverkusen's Bundesliga undefeated record was awesome. It demonstrates they're tough and willing to fight the best. However, losing the Europa League final looks bad. Like a blazing neon banner highlighting their flaws. Top Champions League teams will see that and exploit.
They can compete in the Bundesliga, but the Champions League is different. Competition is fierce, pressure is high, and one mistake may ruin everything. Leverkusen needs more than courage and desire to survive that jungle. They need more players and a flexible strategy. Not that they can't hang, but topping the table or even close? I wouldn't bet on it.