Bayer Leverkusen doesn't believe in anyone. This Friday, they beat Mainz 05 2-1 in their stadium, in the opening of the 23rd day of the Bundesliga, thus set a new mark in German football.
Xabi Alonso's men went 33 games in a row without losing, taking into account all competitions. They thus improve the streak of Hansi Flick's Bayern Munich, which went 32 consecutive games unbeaten between December 2019 and September 2020.
That streak for the Bavarian team included titles in the Bundesliga, German Cup, Champions League and European Super Cup.
It is the 29th win since the start of the 2023-2024 season for Bayer Leverkusen, taking into account all competitions. The other four games were draws and all of this seems to lead them at the speed of light towards the title of champion.
Bayer Leverkusen is now provisionally 11 points ahead (61 against 50) over Bayern Munich (2nd), which is also going through a deep crisis after registering three consecutive defeats (two in the Bundesliga and one in the Champions League).
The Munich team, champions of the previous eleven Bundesligas, host RB Leipzig at the Allianz Arena on Saturday, in the star match of matchday 23.
In the history of the German championship, there has never been a team that was eight points ahead with eleven days left in the season [ventaja que tendrá el Leverkusen al final del fin de semana en el peor de los supuestos] has missed the 'Schale', the trophy awarded at the end of the season to the champion.
This was the victory that sealed Leverkusen's record
This Friday, the match against Mainz (17th, in relegation positions) was more complicated than expected for the leader, who was only able to make the difference late in the second half.
Leverkusen had been controlled despite an ideal start to the match, with a goal from the Swiss Granit Xhaka already in the 3rd minute. It was his first goal in Leverkusen colors, with a superb left-footed shot.
Bayer Leverkusen's Achilles heel this season is the set pieces and that's how Mainz's goal came, in the 7th, with a header from Dominik Kohr.
Despite dominating the game, the 'Werkself' players (the 'Factory Eleven', nickname of the team founded in 1904 by the chemical company Bayer) had problems creating chances and were only able to win thanks to a big mistake by the rival. .
The winning goal came with a shot from distance, without apparent danger, by midfielder Robert Andrich. Visiting goalkeeper Robin Zentner failed and the ball ended up lodged in his nets (minute 68).
It was by no means Leverkusen's best game this season, but the result was the usual one: a victory, which on this occasion is accompanied by a record that shows the team's absolute supremacy so far this year in Germany.
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With AFP
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