Bayer Leverkusen changed European history

 Bayer Leverkusen changed European history

No one has seen anything like this before. The last time something like this was seen was 6 decades ago. Almost all of those who saw it at that time may now be residents of other countries. Benfica gave the last gift of such a strong football in the league and European football of their country. From 1963 to 1965, Eusebio-Jose Augusto's team went 48 matches unbeaten.

This record remained the same for the next six decades.  Many clubs were unbeaten in the domestic league.  Many clubs have won the treble.  But no one has been able to match or surpass Benfica's outstanding record.  That feat was seen in the semi-finals of the Europa League last night.  Bayer Leverkusen rewrote European football history with an outstanding 2-2 draw against Roma.

 Bayer Leverkusen have been saved by last-minute goals several times this season.  The German team has made it a habit to make a comeback this season.  Yesterday against Roma was seen as cliché.  2-0 victory in the previous match, Leverkusen kept the road to the final much ahead.  However, the team on the other side is Roma!  Daniel de Rossi himself was an indefatigable soldier.  In the middle of the season, he took over the responsibility and played brave football for the team.

Leandro Paredes' 43rd and 66th minute penalty goals gave Roma a 2-0 lead. 2-2 on aggregate. It was from there that Leverkusen showed their familiar form. Roma's Gianluca Mancini's own goal in the 82nd minute reduced the gap in the match. Leverkusen lead 3-2 on aggregate. But the unbeaten run would stop there.

But on such a night at home, Leverkusen did not disappoint the fans. Josif Stanisic scored the desired goal for Leverkusen in the 97th minute. Leverkusen have scored 17 goals in extra time this season. At the same time, 4-2 aggregate confirmed the final of the Europa League.

Leverkusen will face Italian club Atalanta in the Europa League final on May 22. May 25 is the German Cup final against Kaiserslautern.

 On the same day, Atalanta confirmed the Europa League final by defeating the English club Aston Villa. This is the first European final for Gian Gasparini's team, who have been performing consistently for the past few seasons. In the final on the 22nd, both teams will be the best in Europe for the first time. Only time will tell who will succeed in that goal.