Bayer Leverkusen have etched their name in the record books by qualifying for the UEFA Europa League final after an astonishing display against AS Roma.
The German side, led by Xabi Alonso, came from two goals down to draw 2-2 at home and secure a 4-2 aggregate victory over their Italian opponents.
This triumph not only books their spot in the final in Dublin on May 22nd, but also sets a new European record for the longest unbeaten run in all competitions, which now stands at an incredible 49 games, 40 of which are victories.
Roma had taken the lead in the tie, courtesy of two penalties converted by Leandro Paredez in the 43rd and 66th minutes. However, Leverkusen’s never-say-die attitude once again shone through, as they refused to give up.
An 82nd-minute own goal from Roma’s Gianluca Mancini gave the German side a glimmer of hope, and in the dying minutes of the match, Josip Stanisic, assisted by former Arsenal player Granit Xhaka, scored the crucial equalizer to send the home fans into ecstasy.
This remarkable comeback not only earned Leverkusen their spot in the final, but it also served as a sweet dose of revenge, as they had been eliminated by Roma at the same stage of the competition last season.
