A Historic Night at BayArena
Bayer Leverkusen’s thrilling Europa League journey took a dramatic turn on Thursday night as they managed a late 2-2 draw with AS Roma. This extended their unbeaten run to an astonishing 49 games and booked a spot in their first European final in over two decades. The match at BayArena was nothing short of a footballing spectacle, with Leverkusen demonstrating resilience and skill that kept their unbeaten streak alive and surpassed a long-standing record set by Benfica in the 1960s.
Record-Breaking Resilience
Unstoppable Leverkusen Surpass Benfica’s Historic Record
Leverkusen’s remarkable season has been one for the history books. After their recent draw, they have officially exceeded the 49-game unbeaten record set by Benfica during the 1963-65 seasons. This milestone was highlighted by a 97th-minute goal from Josip Stanišić, which secured their progression to the final and preserved their status as the season’s undefeated champions. UEFA underscored the significance of this achievement, confirming Leverkusen’s new position at the pinnacle of European football endurance.
A Night of Drama and Triumph
Leverkusen’s Late Goals Cement Comeback Legacy
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Roma initially wiping out Leverkusen’s two-goal aggregate lead through Leandro Paredes’ twin penalties. Despite dominating possession, Leverkusen struggled to convert their chances until an own goal by Roma’s Gianluca Mancini breathed new life into their campaign. The climax came as Stanišić’s last-minute goal erupted the stadium into chaos, marking the 17th occasion Leverkusen scored after the 90th minute this season. Manager Xabi Alonso reflected on the team’s spirit, stating, “To show that personality, that reaction after the second goal, to keep going and to come back – it means a lot for us.”
On the Brink of Immortality
As Leverkusen looks forward to facing Atalanta in the Europa League final on May 22 in Dublin, they stand on the cusp of completing an unprecedented season. They could secure a historic treble with potential victories in the Europa League and the German Cup while remaining unbeaten. Midfielder Granit Xhaka captured the sentiment of the team and fans alike: “It’s pure goosebumps… You dream of an atmosphere like this. You dream of games like this.” As they prepare for their final matches, Leverkusen aims to capture more silverware and etch their name into the annals of football legend.
