Bayer Leverkusen is currently making history in German football. Led by Xabi Alonso, the team has ended Bayern Munich’s dominance to win the Bundesliga and is one game away from reaching their first European final in over two decades. Additionally, they are on an impressive run of 48 games unbeaten, which is already a record for a team from one of Europe’s top leagues.
If Leverkusen can keep their unbeaten streak going for just five more games, they could achieve one of the greatest accomplishments in football history: an invincible treble. With the league title already secured, they have the opportunity to add the German Cup and Europa League to their trophy cabinet this season. However, they are aware that each week will bring tougher challenges as every team wants to beat them.
On Thursday, Leverkusen will face Roma in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final. After winning the first leg 2-0 in Italy, they are in prime position to progress and raise hopes of winning their first European trophy in 36 years. The players are focused on winning every game but acknowledge that nothing is guaranteed in football, as comebacks can happen.
Leverkusen’s unbeaten run of 48 games is already impressive, surpassing the previous record set by Juventus in May 2012. Of their undefeated games, they have won 40, highlighting their dominance on the field. If they can continue their unbeaten streak for a few more games, they will surpass the longest unbeaten run since the advent of European competition, held by a Benfica side from December 1963 to February 1965.
Achieving an invincible treble is a rare feat in football. While Celtic claimed a domestic treble in 2016-17 without losing a game, they did suffer defeat in the Champions League. Ajax went unbeaten in the Eredivisie and Champions League in the 1994-95 season but had one loss in the KNVB Cup. If Leverkusen can finish the season unbeaten, it will be a remarkable campaign that will be remembered for years to come.
In addition to their unbeaten run, Leverkusen is just two games away from completing an entire league campaign without a defeat. Arsenal holds the record for the longest unbeaten league run in Europe’s elite divisions, going 49 games undefeated from May 2003 to October 2004. AC Milan holds the record for the top five leagues, with 58 consecutive Serie A games unbeaten from May 1991 to March 1993. Leverkusen would need to continue their unbeaten streak into next season to surpass these records.
Leverkusen has often left it late to keep their unbeaten run alive. They have scored 16 goals in the 90th minute or later across all competitions this season, including a crucial equalizer against Stuttgart. While it may be difficult to explain why they consistently score late goals, it has worked in their favor and contributed to their incredible run.
On Thursday, Leverkusen will face Roma once again, aiming to secure their place in the final of the Europa League. The team has been under increasing pressure as the end of the season approaches, but they have shown no signs of wilting. Their 2-0 victory in Italy last week was impressive, as it was Roma’s first home defeat in 14 Europa League knockout matches and only their second home loss in 33 European fixtures at the Stadio Olimpico.
Leverkusen is on the brink of football immortality, and they will want to avoid any blemishes on what has already been an incredible campaign. Despite their players’ comments about being open to losing if it takes them to the final, they are determined to keep their unbeaten record intact while chasing European glory. The coming weeks will be crucial for Leverkusen as they aim to achieve an invincible treble and etch their names in football history.