I couldn't have said it better mate as it's definitely where the bundesliga is heading back to in it's former self. Dortmund tried many times but couldn't succeed and then Leverkusen under Xavi Alonso's first season took Bayern Munich by surprise and it all ended there. The challenges with all of them is their financial capacity to compete with Munich in signing quality players and an excellent manager. Bayern Munich usually beats them in all of this before the season starts. So all what they do is battle to finish in top 4 to qualify for the UCL.
It was Leverkusen that ended Bayern long line of winning Bundesliga title every season. For this season, the title remains with Bayern Munich, Leverkusen are still figuring ways of returning to the competition, they are not prepared for the season which we can see from their performance this few games. Well, important players were sold and new coach was brought in, i know the team shouldn't be expecting much right away, if they make top four that is a best recovery achievement to end the season.