Leverkusen Make History with Record-Breaking Unbeaten Run
Bayer Leverkusen etched their names in European football record after securing a dramatic 2-2 draw against Roma in the Europa League semi-final second leg.
Stanisic Scores Last-Minute Equalizer, Secures Historic Unbeaten Run
Josip Stanisic emerged as the hero for Leverkusen, scoring a stunning equalizer in the 97th minute – the final kick of the game. This dramatic goal not only sealed a 4-2 aggregate victory over Roma but also propelled Leverkusen to a record-breaking 49-game unbeaten streak. The previous record of 48 games was held by Benfica for 59 years.
Xabi Alonso’s team displayed remarkable resilience throughout the match. Trailing 2-0 heading into the final ten minutes, they clawed their way back into the game with an own goal from Gianluca Mancini followed by Stanisic’s historic strike.
“You see the desire from the team,” said Granit Xhaka, who assisted the equalizer. “Even after going down 2-1, we didn’t give up. We kept pushing and creating chances, and we’re proud of that unbeaten run.”
Leverkusen on the Verge of Treble
This historic achievement comes alongside Leverkusen’s first-ever Bundesliga title win earlier this season. With the DFB Pokal final still to come and a date set against Atalanta in the Europa League final, the team is on the cusp of an unprecedented treble.
While acknowledging the team’s incredible run, Alonso is aware that their luck won’t last forever. “It will end at some point,” he admitted. “Hopefully not in the coming games, but that’s football. We had chances to score earlier, but we kept pushing and creating.”
Dramatic Match Sees Leverkusen Come From Behind
Leverkusen’s penchant for late drama continued in this match. Despite holding a two-goal advantage from the first leg, they found themselves trailing after two penalties converted by Roma’s Leandro Paredes.
However, the German side refused to surrender. With eight minutes remaining, Gianluca Mancini inadvertently headed the ball into his own net, bringing Leverkusen back into the tie. Then came the moment of destiny. As stoppage time seemed to be winding down, Stanisic weaved his way past defenders on the right flank and slotted the ball past Roma’s goalkeeper, Mile Svilar.
This 17th stoppage-time goal of the season for Leverkusen will forever be etched in history as the one that secured their record-breaking unbeaten run. The pure joy on the faces of players and staff during the post-match celebrations was a testament to the magnitude of this achievement.
