History-makers! Another stunning late comeback sees Bayer Leverkusen set the longest unbeaten run in European football, beating iconic Benfica record that stood for 59 YEARS

jan 5, 2026 #Futebol

Bayer Leverkusen's comeback draw with Roma ensured they broke Benfica's 59-year-long record for the longest unbeaten run in European football.

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WHAT HAPPENED?

Leverkusen kept their treble hopes alive with a last-gasp comeback 2-2 draw at home to Roma in the semi-finals of the Europa League on Thursday. The result meant Xabi Alonso's side stretched their unbeaten run to 49 matches, surpassing Benfica's long-held record.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

After Leverkusen romped to the Bundesliga title last month – their first-ever triumph in that competition – attention turned to winning a treble. They are now in the Europa League final, where they will face Atalanta, and take on FC Kaiserslautern in the final of the DFB-Pokal. They are so close to sporting immortality and after securing another stunning late comeback, not many would bet against them from achieving this feat.
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DID YOU KNOW?

Josip Stanisic's 97th-minute equaliser, which came after Gianluca Mancini's own goal and two Leandro Paredes penalties, was Leverkusen's 17th stoppage time goal this season as the German side won the tie 4-2 on aggregate.
WHAT NEXT?

Leverkusen face off against Serie A side Atalanta in the final of the Europa League in Dublin on May 22. A mere three days later, Alonso's team taken on Kaiserslautern in their domestic cup final as they aim for treble glory.