Bayer Leverkusen made history by setting a new European unbeaten record of 49 successive games after securing a late draw against Roma to reach the Europa League final. The thrilling match ended 2-2 on the night, with Leverkusen clinching a 4-2 aggregate victory.
Josip Stanisic became the hero with a dramatic last-minute goal in the 97th minute, sealing Leverkusen’s place in the final and extending their unbeaten streak to 49 games, including an impressive 40 victories.
Roma, who had lost the first leg in Italy, fought hard and drew level in the tie through two penalties converted by Leandro Paredes. However, a disastrous own goal from Gianluca Mancini handed Leverkusen a crucial advantage.
Leverkusen’s remarkable achievement surpasses the previous European unbeaten record held by the Eusebio-led Benfica side from December 1963 to February 1965. Xabi Alonso’s men are now seeking a historic treble this season, having already won the Bundesliga title and reached the German Cup final.
The Leverkusen players celebrated wildly on the pitch after the final whistle, marking their remarkable feat and securing a place in the Europa League final against Italian side Atalanta in Dublin on 22 May.
Throughout the match, Leverkusen dominated play and created numerous scoring opportunities, with Granit Xhaka hitting the post early on and Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar making crucial saves to keep his team in contention.
Despite Roma taking the lead twice through penalties from Paredes, Leverkusen continued to press forward and were rewarded with goals from Mancini’s own goal and Stanisic’s late heroics.