Bayer Leverkusen achieved a historic milestone by extending their unbeaten streak to 49 consecutive games across all competitions, surpassing the previous European record set by Benfica in the 1960s. The German side secured their place in the Europa League final with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Roma, sealing a 4-2 aggregate victory.
“It’s pure goosebumps!” Granit Xhaka told German television RTL. “You dream of an atmosphere like this. You dream of games like this. As a kid, you want to be in these games and then when you equalize just before the end and get to the final, it’s incredible.”
Josip Stanisic emerged as the hero for Xabi Alonso’s team, scoring with the last kick of the game in the 97th minute to secure the draw and cement Leverkusen’s place in the final. Roma, who had shown significant improvement from the first leg, managed to draw level in the tie with two penalties converted by Leandro Paredes.
However, a crucial own goal from Gianluca Mancini tilted the balance in Leverkusen’s favor before Stanisic’s late strike ensured their historic achievement. Leverkusen’s unbeaten run, which includes an impressive 40 victories.
With the victory, Leverkusen sets up a showdown against Italian side Atalanta in the Europa League final scheduled for May 22nd in Dublin. The German outfit, having already clinched the Bundesliga title and reached the German Cup final, aims to complete a historic treble this season.
Despite dominating proceedings in the first half, Leverkusen found themselves trailing after Paredes converted a penalty for Roma. The German side continued to create opportunities but were repeatedly denied by Roma keeper Mile Svilar’s heroics.
Nevertheless, Leverkusen’s resilience paid off, as they capitalized on defensive errors to secure their passage to the final and etch their name in European football history. Stanisic’s late goal epitomized Leverkusen’s penchant for scoring crucial late goals, marking their 17th such goal of the season.
Leverkusen’s achievement adds to the recent success of German clubs in European competitions, with Borussia Dortmund also reaching the Champions League final to set up a tantalizing clash with Real Madrid at Wembley.
