Bayer Leverkusen Makes History with Unbeaten Streak
Bayer Leverkusen’s recent 2-2 draw against Roma in the Europa League has solidified their place in history, as the German side has now gone 49 games unbeaten. This remarkable feat breaks the record for the longest streak without losing to a European club since the introduction of UEFA club competitions in 1955.
The match against Roma was a rollercoaster of emotions for Leverkusen, who were leading by two goals following the opening clash but found themselves on the brink of defeat after two penalties from Leandro Paredes put the Italian club ahead. However, an own goal from Gianluca Mancini in the 82nd minute and a dramatic 97th-minute equalizer from Josip Stanisic ensured Leverkusen’s progression to the Europa League final with a 4-2 aggregate victory.
Stanisic’s goal marked Leverkusen’s 17th scored in stoppage time this season, highlighting the team’s resilience and never-say-die attitude. Midfielder Granit Xhaka expressed the team’s elation, stating, “This is football. It is the nice part of football. For the mentality we showed again today against a big team to come back like this and go through to the final. We are more than happy today.”
The unbeaten run, which began with an 8-0 victory over FC Teutonia Ottensen in the German Cup on August 12, has now surpassed Benfica’s previous record of 48 consecutive games without losing from December 1963 to February 1965. Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side has avoided defeat in 32 Bundesliga games, five German Cup matches, and 12 Europa League games, winning an impressive 40 of these matches.
With a treble within reach, Leverkusen has already clinched the Bundesliga title, ending Bayern Munich’s 11-season dominance. They are set to face second-tier Kaiserslautern in the German Cup final on May 25 and Atalanta in the Europa League final on May 22. If Leverkusen can maintain their unbeaten streak in their final two league games, they will make history as the first side in Bundesliga history to go an entire season unbeaten.
Top 5 Longest Unbeaten Runs in European Club Football Since 1955
- Bayer Leverkusen (Germany) – 49 games unbeaten (2023-2024)
- Benfica (Portugal) – 48 games unbeaten (1963-1965)
- Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia) - 45 games unbeaten (2014-2015)
- Rijeka (Croatia) – 45 games unbeaten (2016-2017)
- Rangers (Scotland) – 44 games unbeaten (1992-1993)
This incredible achievement by Bayer Leverkusen showcases the team’s determination, skill, and unwavering spirit. As they continue their historic unbeaten run, football fans around the world are witnessing a truly remarkable feat that may go down in the annals of the sport.
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