The 2023/24 season just keeps getting better and better for Xabi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen.
After their 2-2 draw against Roma in the second leg of the Europa League semi-finals, it means the German champions have gone 49 games without defeat, surpassing the previous record that dates back to 1965.
Almost 60 years ago it was Portuguese giants Benfica who went 48 games unbeaten between December 1963 and February 1965.
Bayer Leverkusen recorded a new European unbeaten record of 49 games
In their 49 games, Leverkusen have, surprisingly, won 40 of them, proving just how dominant the Bundesliga outfit have been at home and abroad this campaign.
The mix of strong defense and quick attack has been too much for most teams to cope with, and Alonso’s side could continue to extend the record with games to come in Germany’s top flight and the DFB-Pokal (German Cup) final.
The team was a joy to watch as well.
Never overly defensive as would be expected from a team that has gone almost half a century without a loss, Leverkusen preferred to take games to their opponents, putting them on the back foot from the get-go.
Against Roma they were down and out after two Leandro Parades penalties looked to have given the visitors an unassailable lead.
However, Gianluca Mancini’s goal put Leverkusen level and within one goal in history.
Try as he might, the ball didn’t want to go in until Josip Stanisic shot the last kick of the game in the 97th minute.
The joy that came from the stands and benches was as relieved as anything else. Leverkusen may not be proud or proud of their unbeaten run, but they will not want to lose in this final stage of the season.
The only real shame is that this special side will probably be disbanded in about a year.
Alonso, despite the constant rumours, has decided to stay with Leverkusen for at least another season, which means that many of his stars will have, or may follow suit.
If the Spanish player takes a position in Real Madrid as expected, it will also be expected that players like Piero Hincapie, Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong will also decide that the time is right to move on to new pastures.
All good things come to an end… including an undefeated run eventually.
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