Leverkusen Equals Benfica's Unbeaten Record, Alonso Seeks More

Xabi Alonso, the esteemed manager of Bayer Leverkusen, has expressed his belief that his team has yet to reach its full potential despite matching Benfica's European record of 48 consecutive unbeaten matches across all competitions. This remarkable achievement was secured following Leverkusen's emphatic 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, equating to Benfica's streak between 1963 and 1965. Alonso, however, insists that the team is focused on continuous improvement and is not resting on its laurels.

With the Bundesliga season nearing its conclusion, Leverkusen stands on the brink of an unbeaten season across all competitions. They have two more league fixtures on their schedule and are poised for the DFB-Pokal final against Kaiserslautern on May 25. Additionally, they are in a favorable position in their Europa League semi-final against Roma, holding a 2-0 lead as they approach the second leg at home. This presents them with an opportunity to surpass Benfica's record in front of their own fans.

Alonso highlighted the significance of maintaining focus and striving for excellence as Leverkusen approaches the tail end of a potentially historic season. "It's a big challenge, we have two [Bundesliga] games left, it will be the perfect run. We will certainly try," Alonso stated, underscoring his ambition to achieve greatness in all competitions. The upcoming Europa League semi-final second leg is particularly crucial for Leverkusen, offering them a chance to advance to the final and potentially secure a European title.

Leverkusen's final Bundesliga matches will see them face Bochum and Augsburg. Success in the Europa League semi-final would set up a final clash against either Atalanta or Marseille in Dublin on May 22, just days before their DFB-Pokal final appearance. This tight schedule underscores the challenges that lie ahead for Alonso's squad as they aim to conclude their season on a high note.

Throughout this season, Leverkusen has demonstrated remarkable prowess in front of goal, leading the Bundesliga in several scoring metrics. According to OptaFranz, Leverkusen has scored the most goals this season from distance (11), from set-pieces (23), and in the final 15 minutes of matches (19), showcasing their ability to pose a threat from various situations on the pitch.

As Bayer Leverkusen continues its pursuit of excellence across multiple fronts, Alonso's leadership and strategic acumen will be pivotal. The team's ability to maintain consistency and focus amidst a demanding schedule will be tested as they seek to make history and achieve their ambitious goals.