Bayer Leverkusen kicked off their 2024-25 Bundesliga campaign with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach, secured in the dying moments of the match. The reigning German champions, who went unbeaten in the previous season, demonstrated their resilience once again, extending their unbeaten streak to 35 league matches.
Leverkusen, playing away in their first match of the season, looked poised for a comfortable win after taking an early lead.
Granit Xhaka opened the scoring in the 12th minute, followed by a superb strike from Florian Wirtz in the 39th minute, putting Xabi Alonso’s side two goals ahead.
However, the match took a dramatic turn in the second half. Gladbach, spurred on by their home crowd and the relentless pouring rain, mounted a spirited comeback.
Nico Elvedi halved the deficit in the 59th minute, and Tim Kleindienst equalized in the 85th, setting the stage for a tense finale.
Despite the momentum shift in favor of Gladbach, Leverkusen showed why they were last season’s invincibles. Deep into stoppage time, a moment of brilliance from Amine Adli turned the game back in their favor.
Adli won a crucial penalty in the 99th minute, and although Florian Wirtz’s initial attempt was saved, he managed to convert on the rebound, securing all three points for Leverkusen.
This victory not only extended Leverkusen’s remarkable unbeaten run in the Bundesliga but also highlighted their ability to perform under pressure, a hallmark of their success last season.
The team’s current streak of 35 matches without defeat is inching closer to the Bundesliga’s all-time record.
Bayern Munich holds the record with 53 matches unbeaten, achieved during the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons. Leverkusen’s next immediate target is Hamburg’s 36-match unbeaten run from 1982-83, a milestone that is now within reach.
Xabi Alonso’s squad, fresh off their historic unbeaten season of 28 wins and six draws, continues to build on their momentum.
Their opening match performance, particularly their ability to secure a win despite late-game adversity, bodes well for their title defense.
Leverkusen’s victory in Gladbach serves as a reminder to the rest of the league that the champions remain a formidable force.
With key players like Wirtz and Xhaka already making significant contributions, and Adli proving to be a game-changer, Leverkusen is poised to challenge for both domestic and European honors once again this season.
As the Bundesliga season unfolds, all eyes will be on Leverkusen to see if they can maintain their unbeaten run and perhaps even challenge Bayern Munich’s long-standing record.
For now, their last-minute triumph against Gladbach sets a high standard for what promises to be an exciting campaign.
