50 and Counting: Bayer Leverkusen Continues Their Unbeaten Run
Reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen went ahead to break the existing European record for the longest unbeaten streak in the most dramatic way ever.
It’s the 82nd minute during the Europa League semifinal played on May 9, 2024, and they are 2 goals behind Roma in the knockout stage but an own goal and a goal at the 90+7 minute by Josip Stanisic see them maintain their streak.
This dramatic comeback saw them break the European record by surpassing it with 49 games unbeaten replacing Benfica’s 48 games unbeaten record.
But Xabi Alonso’s men did not stop there, they raised the bar while playing against VFL Bochum on May 12, 2024, extending their unbeaten streak to 50 games with a resounding 5-0 win on the road!
The Previous European Record
Before Bayer Leverkusen’s remarkable run, the European record stood at 48 unbeaten games. The record was achieved by Benfica six decades ago and it spanned from December 1963 to February 1965, led by the legendary striker Eusebio.
Breaking the Record
6 decades later a team rises from battling relegation to breaking the record and raising it further. On a memorable matchday, Bayer Leverkusen faced VfL Bochum intending to surpass their 49-game unbeaten record.
While on the road with the home crowd buzzing, Leverkusen secured a 5-0 victory marking their 50th consecutive unbeaten game, breaking their previous record.
The Mastermind: Coach Xabi Alonso
Behind this historic achievement stands the brilliant tactician and a man with a clear vision, Xabi Alonso. The former Liverpool legend took charge of Bayer Leverkusen, a team battling relegation, and turned them into champions, winning the Bundesliga and advancing to the Europa League final.
The Unsung Heroes: Leverkusen Players
While records are made collectively, individual brilliance shines through. Some key players who contributed to this remarkable record-breaking journey include Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Granit Xhaka, and Patrik Schick.
Conclusion
This remarkable achievement surpasses the previous European record and raises the bar while highlighting their consistency.
As Bayer Leverkusen continues its unbeaten run, only one question remains before they head into any match, can they extend the streak further? Only time will tell.