Having already been crowned Bundesliga champions for the first time in their history, Leverkusen are looking to close the season out in style.
They remain unbeaten throughout the campaign in all competitions – an incredible feat in its own right – but their 5-1 thrashing of Frankfurt on Sunday saw them equal an impressive milestone.
It has seen Bayer go 48 games unbeaten in a row – equalling Benfica‘s unbeaten record from 1963 to 1965 when legendary forward Eusebio played for the club.
With two games left in the Bundesliga season, Leverkusen are looking to go unbeaten all year domestically – matching Arsenal‘s incredible Invincibles season of 2003/04.
And helping them on their way is an ex-Gunners player in Granit Xhaka, who broke the deadlock at the Deutsche Bank Park with a stunning effort.
From outside the box, the Switzerland international unleashed a terrific drive that bent into the corner before Frankfurt equalised through Hugo Ekitike.
However, that was as good as it got for Dino Toppmoller’s men, who went into half time a goal down when Patrik Schick netted just before the whistle.
The visitors then scored three unanswered goals through Exequiel Palacios from the penalty spot, Manchester United-linked Jeremie Frimpong and Victor Boniface, also from the penalty spot.
While the league has already been wrapped up, it sees Xabi Alonso‘s side go a remarkable 15 points clear of second-placed Bayern Munich, who are closer to finishing fifth than they are the title.
Bayer are the favourites to go on and clinch the Europa League, as well as Germany’s domestic cup competition the DFB-Pokal Cup.
Leverkusen face Roma in the Europa League semi-finals, having won the first leg 2-0 in Rome, as well as taking on Cologne in the cup final.
But if they want to break Celtic’s record, they will have to wait until next season at the earliest – though Alonso will stick around after already stating that he is not thinking about leaving.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings