Leverkusen’s Unbeaten Streak Extends to 45 Games with Dramatic Dortmund Draw
Bayer Leverkusen’s remarkable unbeaten streak extended to 45 games in all competitions after a dramatic 1-1 draw at Borussia Dortmund on Sunday. The Bundesliga champions-elect looked set to lose their unblemished record when Niclas Fuellkrug put Dortmund ahead with nine minutes remaining. However, Josip Stanisic’s stoppage-time header from a corner salvaged a point for Leverkusen.
Leverkusen’s resilience has been a hallmark of their season, and they have now scored 14 goals after the 90th minute. Their determination to remain unbeaten is fueled by a desire to become the first team to go through a Bundesliga season without a loss.
“It’s not easy to play when you’re already champions, but we challenged ourselves to stay unbeaten this season and that’s our goal,” said Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka.
The draw leaves Dortmund two points behind fourth-placed RB Leipzig in the race for the final guaranteed Champions League place. However, Germany’s strong performance in European competitions could secure a fifth spot for the Bundesliga.
In other Bundesliga action, Mainz drew 1-1 at Freiburg to move out of the relegation zone for the first time since August. Jonathan Burkardt’s equalizer canceled out Michael Gregoritsch’s early strike, lifting Mainz to 15th place.
Werder Bremen took a significant step towards top-flight survival with a 2-1 home win over Stuttgart. Marvin Ducksch scored a brace for Bremen, who moved eight points clear of the relegation play-off spot. Stuttgart’s loss was their first since January, but they have already secured at least a Europa League place for next season.