Bayer Leverkusen has achieved a remarkable feat by setting a new European record of 49 games unbeaten.
The Bundesliga champions secured this milestone after a thrilling 2-2 draw with Roma in the Europa League semi-final.
Josip Stanisic emerged as the hero once again, scoring a last-gasp equalizer in the 97th minute to seal a 4-2 aggregate win over the Italians.
Leverkusen’s never-say-die attitude was on full display during the match. Despite being 2-0 down with only 10 minutes remaining, they staged a remarkable comeback.
An own goal from Gianluca Mancini and Stanisic’s strike ensured they surpassed Benfica’s 59-year unbeaten record.
The last time Leverkusen tasted defeat was on the final day of the 2022-23 season against VFL Bochum.
This unbeaten run has placed Leverkusen on the cusp of an unprecedented treble.
They have already secured their first-ever Bundesliga title and are now heading to the DFB Pokal final.
Additionally, they have a date with Atalanta in the Europa League final in Dublin.
Granit Xhaka, who assisted the late equalizer, expressed his pride in the team’s desire and determination.
Xabi Alonso, the manager, also praised his team’s character and calmness in scoring the late goal.
However, he acknowledged that the unbeaten streak will eventually come to an end.
Leverkusen’s journey to this record-breaking achievement has not been without challenges.
They allowed their two-goal advantage from the first leg against Roma to slip away.
The Italian side took the lead through two penalty kicks, but Leverkusen fought back and eventually secured the draw.
The celebrations that followed Stanisic’s historic goal showcased the team’s unity and joy.
The staff and players on the bench rushed to congratulate him, and Alonso joined in the celebration on the pitch at full-time.
Prior to this match, Leverkusen was tied with Benfica for the longest unbeaten run in European football history.
Now, they have the opportunity to become the first team ever to reach 50 matches unbeaten if they defeat Bochum in the Bundesliga on Sunday.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
