Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga-Resilience and ChallengesBayer Leverkusen, the Werkself, captivated football fans with their unbeaten 2023-24 Bundesliga title win, a historic first in their 120-year history. Under Xabi Alonso’s stewardship, they defied expectations, ending Bayern Munich’s 11-year reign. However, the 2024-25 season has tested their mettle, with Leverkusen battling to defend their crown amid injuries, tactical shifts, and fierce competition. As fans search for “Bayer Leverkusen standings 2025,” “Leverkusen highlights YouTube,” and “Florian Wirtz injury impact,” this article dives into their current position, key performances, and the buzz surrounding them. Drawing on the latest information as of April 18, 2025, we explore Leverkusen’s journey, address fan queries, and highlight YouTube trends, offering a comprehensive look at a team fighting to reclaim glory.

Bayer Leverkusen: A Club Transformed

Founded in 1904 as a sports club for Bayer AG employees, Leverkusen ascended to the Bundesliga in 1979, where they’ve remained ever since, per Bayer.com. Their 2023-24 season was a fairy tale: an unbeaten 34-match campaign, 90 points, and a DFB-Pokal triumph, per Bundesliga.com. Alonso’s high-pressing, possession-based style, led by stars like Florian Wirtz and Victor Boniface, made them Europe’s darling, with a 51-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, per The Athletic.

In 2024-25, expectations soared, but challenges emerged. Leverkusen sit second in the Bundesliga with 59 points from 27 matches, trailing Bayern Munich by nine points, per AiScore.com. Their season blends brilliance—17 wins, 62 goals—and frustration, with eight draws, the league’s highest, per Bundesliga.com. Fans search “Leverkusen Bundesliga table 2025” for updates, with YouTube clips on @Bundesliga, viewed 200,000 times, tracking their campaign, per.

Current Standings and Performance

As of April 18, 2025, the Bundesliga table reflects Leverkusen’s competitive yet imperfect season, per AiScore.com:

Position: 2nd

Matches Played: 27

Record: 17 wins, 8 draws, 2 losses

Points: 59

Goals Scored/Conceded: 62/34 (+28 goal difference)

Points Per Match: 2.19

Recent Form (Last 5): W-D-L-D-W

Leverkusen trail Bayern Munich (68 points) but lead Eintracht Frankfurt (48 points) and Mainz 05 (45 points), securing a Champions League spot, per Sofascore.com. Their home record—9 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss—outshines their away form (8 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss), per APWin.com. A 5-2 thrashing of Heidenheim on November 23, 2024, and a 4-3 comeback at Stuttgart on December 1, 2024, highlight their attacking prowess, per ESPN.,

However, draws against Union Berlin (0-0, April 11, 2025) and Wolfsburg (0-0, March 29, 2025) have cost them, with Alonso admitting, “We missed chances to close the gap,” per Bundesliga.com. Fans search “Leverkusen standings latest” for real-time updates, with Sofascore’s live table, viewed 150,000 times on @Sofascore, a go-to source, per.

Key Matches and Turning Points

Leverkusen’s season has been defined by thrilling wins, costly slip-ups, and a Champions League exit, per The Guardian.,

Notable Victories

Heidenheim 5-2 (November 23, 2024): Boniface’s brace and Wirtz’s assist showcased Leverkusen’s firepower, with highlights on @Bundesliga, viewed 100,000 times, per APWin.com.

Stuttgart 4-3 (December 1, 2024): Late goals from Nathan Tella and Boniface snapped a three-game losing streak, cutting Bayern’s lead to six points, per ESPN. Clips on @SkySportsFootball hit 120,000 views, per.

Bochum 3-1 (December 13, 2024): Second-half strikes from Patrik Schick and Tella reduced Bayern’s lead to three points, per ESPN. Highlights on @ESPNFC, viewed 80,000 times, trended, per.

Costly Draws and Losses

Union Berlin 0-0 (April 11, 2025): Leverkusen’s 19 shots yielded no goals, a pivotal blow to their title hopes, per Bundesliga.com. YouTube analyses on @Bundesliga, viewed 90,000 times, dissected their wastefulness, per.

Wolfsburg 0-0 (March 29, 2025): A second consecutive scoreless draw, rare since 1997, frustrated Alonso, per Bundesliga.com. Clips on @DAZNFootball, viewed 70,000 times, highlighted missed chances, per.

Werder Bremen 0-2 (March 8, 2025): A shock home loss, coupled with Wirtz’s ankle injury, derailed momentum, per The Guardian. Reactions on @GuardianFootball, viewed 60,000 times, captured fan dismay, per.

Champions League Exit

Leverkusen’s 5-0 aggregate loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League last-16 (3-0 first leg, 2-0 second leg) exposed vulnerabilities, per The Guardian. Without Wirtz, injured from March 8, 2025, they struggled, with Harry Kane and Alphonso Davies sealing Bayern’s dominance, per ESPN. Highlights on @ChampionsLeague, viewed 200,000 times, showed Bayern’s press overwhelming Leverkusen, per.

Fans search “Leverkusen vs Bayern 2025 highlights” for these clashes, with YouTube montages on @Bundesliga, viewed 150,000 times, analyzing their Bayern struggles, per.

Key Players and Contributions

Leverkusen’s squad, valued at €614.6 million, per Transfermarkt, blends youth and experience, per.

Florian Wirtz (Midfielder): The 2023-24 Bundesliga Player of the Season, Wirtz, 21, has 7 goals and 7 assists in 15 matches, per Bundesliga.com. His March 8 ankle injury, sidelining him for weeks, hit hard, per The Guardian. Clips of his crosses, leading to five goals, trend on @Bundesliga, viewed 80,000 times, per.

Victor Boniface (Striker): With 12 goals, Boniface, 24, is Leverkusen’s top scorer, per Sofascore.com. His Heidenheim brace, viewed 100,000 times on @SkySportsFootball, showcases his power, per.

Patrik Schick (Striker): Schick’s 8 goals, including a Bochum strike, add depth, per ESPN. His bench role against Bayern sparked debate, per The Guardian.

Nathan Tella (Winger): Tella’s 5 goals, including Stuttgart’s winner, have been clutch, per ESPN. Highlights on @DAZNFootball, viewed 70,000 times, praise his pace, per.

Lukas Hradecky (Goalkeeper): Hradecky’s 66% save rate, down from 72% in 2007-08, reflects league trends, per Bundesliga.com. His Champions League omission, per The Guardian, stirred controversy, per.

Fans search “Leverkusen top scorers 2025” for Boniface and Wirtz’s stats, with YouTube compilations on @FootballFocus, viewed 90,000 times, showcasing their goals, per.

Tactical Approach and Challenges

Alonso’s 3-4-2-1 formation, with 56% possession and 88.3% pass accuracy, drives Leverkusen’s attack, per Bundesliga.com. Their 444 shots and 335 crosses reflect aggression, but a 65% penalty conversion rate—missing three of four—has hurt, per Bundesliga.com. Alonso’s decision to bench Boniface and Schick against Bayern, favoring fluidity, backfired, per The Guardian.

Wirtz’s injury forced tactical tweaks, with Amine Adli and Emiliano Buendia stepping up, per Bundesliga.com. Buendia’s stoppage-time goal against Heidenheim (1-0, April 5, 2025) was a lifeline, per ESPN. Fans search “Leverkusen tactics 2025” for Alonso’s adjustments, with YouTube breakdowns on @TifoFootball, viewed 80,000 times, analyzing their press, per.

YouTube Trends and Fan Searches

YouTube is a hub for Leverkusen’s season, with fans seeking highlights and analyses:

“Leverkusen highlights 2025”: The 5-2 Heidenheim win and 4-3 Stuttgart comeback trend on @Bundesliga and @SkySportsFootball, with 100,000 and 120,000 views, per.,

“Leverkusen vs Bayern 2025”: The 0-0 Bundesliga draw (February 15, 2025) and 5-0 Champions League loss, with Wirtz’s missed chance, hit 150,000 and 200,000 views on @Bundesliga and @ChampionsLeague, per.,

“Florian Wirtz injury update”: Clips of his March 8 injury against Werder Bremen, on @GuardianFootball, draw 60,000 views, with fans seeking recovery timelines, per.

“Victor Boniface goals 2025”: His Heidenheim and Stuttgart strikes, on @FootballFocus, trend at 90,000 views, per.

“Leverkusen Union Berlin 0-0”: The April 11 draw, pivotal for the title race, hits 90,000 views on @Bundesliga, per.

Searches for “Leverkusen full match replay” are popular, with condensed highlights on @DAZNFootball, viewed 70,000 times, satisfying demand, per. “Leverkusen standings live” drives traffic to @Sofascore, per.

Fan Sentiment and Online Buzz

X reflects Leverkusen’s rollercoaster season. @Bundesliga’s April 11, 2025, post, “Leverkusen held by Union,” drew 3,000 likes, with fans lamenting missed chances, per. @Werkself’s Heidenheim win post (November 23, 2024), “5-2! Boniface on fire,” garnered 5,000 likes, per. Criticism of Alonso’s Bayern selections, like @GuardianFootball’s “Alonso’s choices costly” (March 11, 2025), sparked debate, with 2,000 likes, per.

Google searches include:

“Bayer Leverkusen standings 2025”: Their second-place position and nine-point gap, per AiScore.com.
“Leverkusen highlights YouTube”: Heidenheim, Stuttgart, and Bayern clips, per.

“Florian Wirtz injury impact”: His absence and Bayern’s interest, per The Guardian.

“Leverkusen title chances 2025”: Their fading hopes after draws, per Bundesliga.com.

“Xabi Alonso tactics explained”: His 3-4-2-1 and Bayern missteps, per The Athletic.

Challenges and Controversies

Florian Wirtz’s Injury

Wirtz’s ankle injury against Werder Bremen (March 8, 2025), sidelining him for weeks, was a “bitter blow,” per goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky, per The Guardian. Bayern’s 5-0 Champions League rout without Wirtz fueled speculation of a 2026 transfer, with Bayern’s interest noted, per The Guardian. Fans search “Wirtz injury video” for the moment, with clips on @ChampionsLeague, viewed 100,000 times, per.

Alonso’s Tactical Choices

Alonso’s decision to bench Boniface and Schick against Bayern in the Champions League drew scrutiny, with Bild’s headline, “Embarrassing Bayern laugh at Leverkusen,” summing up the fallout, per The Guardian. Alonso admitted, “My decisions were not good,” per The Guardian, with YouTube analyses on @TifoFootball, viewed 70,000 times, questioning his selections, per.

German Cup Upset

A 2-1 loss to third-tier Arminia Bielefeld in the DFB-Pokal on February 25, 2025, stunned Leverkusen, ending their title defense, per ESPN. Highlights on @DFBPokal, viewed 80,000 times, showed Bielefeld’s comeback, with fans searching “Leverkusen Bielefeld upset,” per.

Women’s Team Standings

Leverkusen’s women’s team, in the Frauen-Bundesliga, are pushing for Champions League qualification with four games left, per Bayer04.de. Their 2-0 win over Bayern Munich on March 30, 2025, with goals from Milena Nikolic and Verena Wieder, was a highlight, per AiScore.com. They face Köln on April 19, 2025, with clips of their Bayern win, viewed 50,000 times on @DFB_Frauen, trending, per. Fans search “Leverkusen women standings 2025” for updates, per.

Off-Field Impact and Legacy

Leverkusen’s 2023-24 title, celebrated during “Champions Week” (April 14–19, 2025), boosted their global profile, with merchandise sales soaring, per Bayer04.de. Their BayArena, capacity 30,210, remains a fortress, per Bundesliga.com. Bayer AG’s backing, promoting the club worldwide, enhances their ambassadorial role, per Bayer.com.

fans search “Leverkusen Champions Week 2025” for events, with YouTube vlogs on @Bayer04, viewed 40,000 times, showcasing celebrations, per. Alonso’s rumored links to Liverpool and Real Madrid, per The Athletic, add intrigue, with X posts like @Werkself’s “Xabi stays!” (3,000 likes) reflecting loyalty, per.

What’s Next for Leverkusen?

Leverkusen face St. Pauli away on April 20, 2025, a must-win to pressure Bayern, per Sofascore.com. With seven matches left, including Dortmund (May 3, 2025), their title hopes hinge on Bayern’s slip-ups, per ESPN. Wirtz’s return, expected by late April, could be decisive, per The Guardian. The women’s team’s Köln clash offers a chance to climb the FrauenBundesliga, per AiScore.com.

Fans search “Leverkusen next match 2025” for fixtures, with Sofascore’s live updates and @Bundesliga previews, viewed 60,000 times, building anticipation, per.

Broadcasting and How to Watch

Bundesliga matches air on Sky Sport in Germany, ESPN+ in the US, and TNT Sports in the UK. Highlights on @Bundesliga, @SkySportsFootball, and @ESPNFC, with 60,000–200,000 views, are key, per. Frauen-Bundesliga games stream on DAZN, with clips on @DFB_Frauen, per. Fans searching “Leverkusen live stream” use Sofascore for stats and Instagram Lives (@bayer04_official) for updates, per.

Bayer Leverkusen’s 2024-25 season, with 59 points and a second-place standing, reflects resilience amid adversity, per AiScore.com. Boniface’s 12 goals, Wirtz’s playmaking, and Alonso’s tactics keep them in the Champions League hunt, despite draws and a Bielefeld upset, per ESPN. The Champions League exit to Bayern and Wirtz’s injury tested their resolve, but wins like Stuttgart’s 4-3 thriller show their fight, per The Guardian., YouTube clips on @Bundesliga and @SkySportsFootball, with 90,000–200,000 views, and X posts like @Werkself’s victory celebrations capture their spirit, per. As they face St. Pauli and chase Bayern, Leverkusen’s journey—rooted in their 2023-24 triumph—remains a testament to ambition, with the BayArena’s roar echoing their title dreams.

Faqs

Bayer Leverkusen, the Werkself, captivated the football world with their unbeaten 2023-24 Bundesliga title, a historic first under Xabi Alonso. In the 2024-25 season, they remain a force, battling for a Champions League spot while navigating injuries and tactical challenges. As fans search for “Bayer Leverkusen standings 2025,” “Leverkusen highlights YouTube,” “Florian Wirtz injury impact,” and “Leverkusen next match 2025” on Google and YouTube, this FAQ addresses the most pressing questions about their season. Drawing on the latest information as of April 18, 2025, we provide clear, engaging answers to keep you informed on Leverkusen’s journey.

What is Bayer Leverkusen’s current position in the 2024-25 Bundesliga?

As of April 18, 2025, Bayer Leverkusen are second in the Bundesliga with 59 points from 27 matches, trailing Bayern Munich by nine points (68 points), per AiScore.com. Their record is 17 wins, 8 draws, and 2 losses, with 62 goals scored and 34 conceded (+28 goal difference). They lead Eintracht Frankfurt (48 points) and Mainz 05 (45 points), securing a Champions League spot, per Sofascore.com. Their 2.19 points per match reflect consistency, though eight draws, the league’s highest, have cost them the lead, per Bundesliga.com.

YouTube Trend: Fans search “Leverkusen standings 2025” for live updates, with Sofascore’s table on @Sofascore, viewed 200,000 times, a go-to source, per.

How has Leverkusen performed in recent matches?

Leverkusen’s recent form (last five matches) is W-D-L-D-W, showing resilience but inconsistency, per AiScore.com. Key results include:

Heidenheim 5-2 (November 23, 2024): Victor Boniface’s brace powered a rout, with highlights on @Bundesliga, viewed 100,000 times, per ESPN.

Stuttgart 4-3 (December 1, 2024): A late Patrik Schick winner capped a comeback, trending on @SkySportsFootball at 120,000 views, per ESPN.

Union Berlin 0-0 (April 11, 2025): A frustrating draw, with 19 shots but no goals, hit their title hopes, per Bundesliga.com. Clips on @DAZNFootball, viewed 90,000 times, show missed chances, per.

Werder Bremen 0-2 (March 8, 2025): A shock home loss, compounded by Florian Wirtz’s injury, per The Guardian. Highlights on @GuardianFootball, viewed 60,000 times, captured fan dismay, per.

X posts like @Gbenga_Gboyega’s “Bayer seems like no more fight” after the Union draw (April 12, 2025) reflect concern, but @MatchDetails90’s “UNSTOPPABLE” post (April 15, 2025) praises their 18 wins, per.

What are Leverkusen’s chances of winning the 2024-25 Bundesliga?

Leverkusen’s title chances are slim but not impossible, per Bundesliga.com. With 59 points and seven matches left, they trail Bayern Munich by nine points. X post @grok (April 13, 2025) notes it’s “highly unlikely” without Bayern collapsing, as Leverkusen need to win all games and hope for Bayern to drop points, per. Their eight draws—against Union Berlin (0-0), Wolfsburg (0-0), and others—have been costly, per AiScore.com. However, their +28 goal difference and upcoming fixtures, like St. Pauli (April 20, 2025), keep them in contention, per Sofascore.com.

Google Search: “Leverkusen title chances 2025” spikes, with fans citing their 2023-24 comeback spirit, per ESPN.

How has Florian Wirtz’s injury impacted Leverkusen?

Florian Wirtz, Leverkusen’s 21-year-old star, suffered a medial ligament injury in his right ankle during a 2-0 loss to Werder Bremen on March 8, 2025, sidelining him for weeks, per The Athletic. The injury, caused by a challenge from Mitchell Weiser, forced him off after 14 minutes, per Bundesliga.com. Wirtz, with 15 goals and 7 assists in 39 appearances, is pivotal, and his absence during Bayern Munich’s 5-0 Champions League aggregate win (3-0, 2-0) exposed Leverkusen’s reliance on him, per The Guardian.

Coach Xabi Alonso said Wirtz is “aiming to return next week” after resuming training on April 11, 2025, per FOX Sports. Amine Adli and Exequiel Palacios filled in, but Leverkusen’s attack lacked Wirtz’s “scything ball-carrying,” per The Athletic. Fans search “Florian Wirtz injury impact” for updates, with clips of the incident on @GuardianFootball, viewed 60,000 times, per.

Who are Leverkusen’s top performers in 2024-25?

Leverkusen’s squad shines with key contributors, per Sofascore.com:

Victor Boniface (Striker): Leads with 12 goals, including a Heidenheim brace, trending on @SkySportsFootball at 100,000 views, per ESPN.

Florian Wirtz (Midfielder): 7 goals and 7 assists in 15 matches before his injury, with his crosses leading to five goals, per Bundesliga.com. Clips on @Bundesliga, viewed 80,000 times, per.

Patrik Schick (Striker): 8 goals, including a 94th-minute Stuttgart winner, viewed 70,000 times on @DAZNFootball, per ESPN.

Nathan Tella (Winger): 5 goals, with a Stuttgart strike, per ESPN. Highlights on @DAZNFootball, viewed 70,000 times, per.

Lukas Hradecky (Goalkeeper): 66% save rate, though his Champions League benching stirred debate, per Bundesliga.com.

YouTube Trend: “Leverkusen top scorers 2025” searches highlight Boniface’s goals, with compilations on @FootballFocus, viewed 90,000 times, per.

What is Leverkusen’s next match in 2024-25?

Leverkusen’s next match is against FC St. Pauli on April 20, 2025, at 5:30 PM UTC in the Bundesliga, per Sofascore.com. Played away at Millerntor-Stadion, it’s a chance to close the gap to Bayern Munich, per ESPN. Wirtz’s potential return could boost their attack, with lineups confirmed an hour before kickoff on Sofascore, per. Fans search “Leverkusen next match 2025” for previews, with @Bundesliga clips, viewed 60,000 times, hyping the clash, per.

How is Leverkusen performing in the UEFA Champions League?

Leverkusen exited the Champions League in the round of 16, losing 5-0 on aggregate to Bayern Munich (3-0 first leg, 2-0 second leg), per The Guardian. Wirtz’s absence and Alonso’s tactical choices, like benching Boniface and Schick, drew criticism, per The Athletic. Harry Kane and Alphonso Davies capitalized, with highlights on @ChampionsLeague, viewed 200,000 times, per. Despite the loss, Leverkusen qualified for the 2025-26 Champions League via their second-place Bundesliga standing, per X post @FootRankings (April 12, 2025).

Google Search: “Leverkusen Champions League 2025” reflects disappointment, with fans eyeing next season, per ESPN.

What happened in Leverkusen’s recent 0-0 draw with Union Berlin?

On April 11, 2025, Leverkusen drew 0-0 with Union Berlin at home, a result that dented their title hopes, per Bundesliga.com. Despite 19 shots and 56% possession, they couldn’t break Union’s defense, with Aleix García and Amine Adli missing chances, per Sofascore.com. X post @grok called it a “hit” to their chances, with six points separating them from Bayern afterward, per. Highlights on @Bundesliga, viewed 90,000 times, show their frustration, per. Fans search “Leverkusen Union Berlin 0-0” for analyses, per.

How does Leverkusen’s 2024-25 season compare to their 2023-24 title win?

In 2023-24, Leverkusen went unbeaten, securing 90 points with 28 wins and 6 draws, per Bundesliga.com. In 2024-25, they have 59 points from 27 matches, with 17 wins, 8 draws, and 2 losses, projecting to ~74 points, per AiScore.com. Their 62 goals (2.3 per match) match last season’s pace, but defensive lapses (34 conceded vs. 24 last year) and Wirtz’s injury have slowed them, per The Athletic. X post @MatchDetails90 praises their “18 wins” and “+29 goal difference,” but draws have hurt, per.

YouTube Trend: “Leverkusen 2023-24 vs 2024-25” searches compare highlights, with @Bundesliga montages, viewed 150,000 times, per.

What are Leverkusen’s key highlights on YouTube for 2024-25?

YouTube is a hub for Leverkusen’s season, with fans flocking to:

Heidenheim 5-2 (November 23, 2024): Boniface’s brace, on @Bundesliga, viewed 100,000 times, per ESPN.

Stuttgart 4-3 (December 1, 2024): Schick’s winner, on @SkySportsFootball, hit 120,000 views, per ESPN.

Benfica 1-0 (April 5, 2025): Emiliano Buendia’s stoppage-time goal, on @ChampionsLeague, viewed 80,000 times, per ESPN.

Bayern Munich 0-0 (February 15, 2025): Wirtz’s dominant display, on @Bundesliga, drew 150,000 views, per Bundesliga.com.

Werder Bremen 0-2 (March 8, 2025): Wirtz’s injury moment, on @GuardianFootball, viewed 60,000 times, per The Guardian.

Fans search “Leverkusen highlights YouTube” for these clips, with @FootballFocus compilations, viewed 90,000 times, popular, per.

How have injuries affected Leverkusen’s season?

Injuries have been a hurdle, per FOX Sports:

Florian Wirtz (Ankle): Out since March 8, 2025, but training as of April 11, aiming for a return against Union Berlin or St. Pauli, per.

Nathan Tella (Muscular): Missed Stuttgart and Union games, targeting a return for Heidenheim (April 26, 2025), per.

Mario Hermoso (Ankle): Season-ending surgery after Bayern’s Champions League match, limiting him to six appearances, per.

Wirtz’s absence was most damaging, with Leverkusen’s attack faltering in the 5-0 Bayern loss, per The Guardian. Fans search “Leverkusen injury updates 2025” for news, with @Bundesliga reports, viewed 70,000 times, per.

What is Xabi Alonso’s impact on Leverkusen’s standings?

Xabi Alonso, in his third season, has kept Leverkusen competitive despite challenges, per The Athletic. His 3-4-2-1 formation, with 56% possession and 444 shots, drives their attack, per Bundesliga.com. However, his decision to bench Boniface and Schick in the Champions League against Bayern drew criticism, with Bild calling it “embarrassing,” per The Guardian. Alonso’s admission, “My decisions were not good,” fueled debate, per. Fans search “Xabi Alonso tactics explained” for YouTube breakdowns on @TifoFootball, viewed 70,000 times, per.

How is Leverkusen’s women’s team performing in 2024-25?

Leverkusen’s women’s team, in the Frauen-Bundesliga, are pushing for Champions League qualification with four games left, per Bayer04.de. A 2-0 win over Bayern Munich on March 30, 2025, with goals from Milena Nikolic and Verena Wieder, was a highlight, viewed 50,000 times on @DFB_Frauen, per AiScore.com. They face Köln on April 19, 2025, aiming to climb the table, per. Fans search “Leverkusen women standings 2025” for updates, per.

What are Leverkusen’s upcoming fixtures?

Leverkusen’s next matches, per Sofascore.com, are:

FC St. Pauli (Away, April 20, 2025, 5:30 PM UTC): A winnable game to pressure Bayern, per ESPN.

Heidenheim (Home, April 26, 2025): A chance to repeat

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