In a thrilling encounter on Friday night, Bayer Leverkusen made history in the Bundesliga with a 2-1 victory over Mainz, extending their lead at the top of the table to a remarkable 11 points over title rivals Bayern Munich.
Granit Xhaka and Robert Andrich found the net for Leverkusen, while Dominik Kohr’s goal for 10-man Mainz provided a momentary scare. However, Leverkusen held firm to secure all three points, extending their unbeaten streak to an impressive 33 games across all competitions this season.
This remarkable achievement sees Xabi Alonso’s side surpass Bayern Munich’s previous record, solidifying their status as the team to beat in German football this season.
For Leverkusen, a club often regarded as the bridesmaid but never the bride in German football, this season represents a significant opportunity to clinch their maiden Bundesliga title. With their commanding lead over Bayern Munich and 11 matches remaining in the season, Leverkusen’s dream of lifting the Bundesliga trophy is well within reach. Additionally, they remain competitive in both the Europa League and DFB-Pokal, adding further excitement to their campaign.
Despite their storied history, which includes five Bundesliga runner-up finishes, Leverkusen has not tasted silverware since their DFB-Pokal triumph in 1993. However, with their current form and dominance in the league, this could be the season where they break the drought and etch their name in Bundesliga history once again.