AC Milan stages incredible comeback to go 50 matches unbeaten and secure Champions League final spot
AC Milan's spectacular season witnessed a thrilling twist on Wednesday with a dramatic 3-3 draw against Real Madrid, extending the team's unbeaten streak to an impressive 50 matches.
Bayer Leverkusen had an amazing season with another exciting twist on Thursday. They managed to secure a late 2-2 draw against AS Roma, extending their unbeaten run to an impressive 49 games.
With a 4-2 aggregate victory, Leverkusen reached their first European final in 22 years. Josip Stanišić's goal in the 97th minute sealed the deal, keeping the recently-crowned German champions undefeated this season.
Leverkusen has broken Benfica's record from 1963-65 for the longest unbeaten run in all top-level matches since European competitions began, as confirmed by UEFA.
In the second-leg match at the BayArena, Leverkusen had a two-goal lead, but Roma equalized when Leandro Paredes scored two penalties before and after halftime.
The home team controlled the ball for most of the game but had trouble converting their opportunities. It wasn't until the 82nd minute when Gianluca Mancini scored an own goal, giving the opposing team a glimmer of hope for a comeback.
As the game neared its end and a draw seemed imminent, Stanišić made an impressive run into the penalty box. With a skillful shot, he scored the winning goal in the final moments of the game, causing excitement and chaos among the fans in the packed stadium.
Stanišić scores the all-important equalizer against Roma.
Stanišić scores the all-important equalizer against Roma.
Ina Fassbender/AFP/Getty Images
Late goals have become something of a habit for Leverkusen, and this was the 17th time this season that the Bundesliga team has scored in the 90th minute or later.
Manager Xabi Alonso expressed his admiration for the team's personality and determination after scoring the second goal. He emphasized the importance of not giving up and fighting back.
He highlighted the team's strong conviction and how reaching the final meant a lot to them. Despite coming close last year, they are thrilled to have made it to the final this year, especially against another Italian team.
Leverkusen is set to play against Atalanta in the Europa League final on May 22 in Dublin, Ireland. They have four games left to finish the season unbeaten.
After breaking a 31-year trophy drought with their first German league title, Leverkusen still has a chance to win two more trophies this season - the Europa League and the German Cup. They will face Atalanta and second-tier side FC Kaiserslautern in these competitions.
Manager Xabi Alonso has elevated Leverkusen to one of the best teams in European soccer.
Manager Xabi Alonso has elevated Leverkusen to one of the best teams in European soccer.
Leverkusen has the chance to make history in the Bundesliga by becoming the first team to go undefeated for an entire season. If they win their final two league matches against VfL Bochum and Augsburg, they will complete an invincible treble, a remarkable achievement in European soccer.
According to UEFA, Celtic holds the European club record with an unbeaten run of 62 games from 1915 to 1917, although this only included domestic league matches.
“It’s pure goosebumps,” expressed Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka after Thursday’s game. “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. We will definitely enjoy this night now.”
Leverkusen, which has won 40 games and drawn nine this season, resumes its incredible campaign away against Bochum on Sunday.
Editor's P/S:
Bayer Leverkusen's remarkable season continues to captivate the football world. Their unbeaten run, now at 49 games, is a testament to their resilience and determination. The team's ability to score late goals, including Josip Stanišić's 97th-minute equalizer against AS Roma, demonstrates their unwavering belief in themselves. As they prepare for the Europa League final and the German Cup, Leverkusen has the potential to make history by becoming the first Bundesliga team to go undefeated for an entire season.
Xabi Alonso's leadership has been instrumental in Leverkusen's success. His emphasis on fighting spirit and never giving up has instilled a deep sense of belief within the team. The players' unwavering commitment to their manager and each other is evident in their performances on the pitch. Leverkusen's success is a reminder of the power of teamwork, determination, and the ability to overcome adversity.
