Bayer Leverkusen etched their names in Bundesliga history on Friday, securing a new German record of 33 games unbeaten with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Mainz at the BayArena.
This dominant performance not only extended their unbeaten streak but also solidified their lead atop the Bundesliga table, now a commanding 11 points ahead of second-placed Bayern Munich.
Xabi Alonso’s men wasted no time, with Granit Xhaka unleashing a brilliant left-footed strike in the third minute to ignite the home crowd. However, Mainz refused to lie down, finding an equalizer 10 minutes later through Dominik Kohr’s header.
The pendulum swung back in Leverkusen’s favor in the 62nd minute. Robert Andrich unleashed a long-range effort that somehow slipped through the grasp of Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner, gifting Leverkusen the lead and ultimately, the crucial three points.
Mainz’s hopes of pulling off a comeback were dealt a major blow in the 80th minute when Jessic Ngankam received a straight red card for a challenge on Xhaka. This moment effectively sealed the win for Leverkusen and ensured another chapter in their remarkable unbeaten run.
Xhaka’s goal held added significance, marking his first for Leverkusen and his first in the Bundesliga since 2015. His contribution adds another layer of excitement to an already captivating season for the Swiss midfielder.
The pressure now mounts on Bayern Munich, but the spotlight remains firmly on Leverkusen. Their record-breaking run shows no signs of slowing down, and the Bundesliga title race seems increasingly their to lose. Whether they can maintain their momentum and achieve the ultimate prize remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Xabi Alonso’s side are playing with swagger and confidence, and the rest of the league is taking notice.
