Could Bayer potentially end their winning streak without setting a new record?
Bayern Leverkusen can no longer experience defeat. At least, it appears to be this way after a comprehensive season in the Bundesliga with victories, impressive runs in the cup, and European Cup games. If they return from the Europa League finals without a trophy, their winning streak could continue.
League, Cup, Europa League: Bayern Leverkusen has been undefeated for 51 games. Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, West Ham, AS Roma, Teutonia 05 Ottensen - no one has managed to overcome this new German champion. Should the winning streak continue tonight in the Europa League finals against Atalanta Bergamo (9pm/ RTL, RTL+, and live ticker on ntv.de), they will be the European Cup winners. Or not?
In terms of statistics, the club in the Bundesliga could draw against Bergamo - resulting in a disappointed loss on the Aviva Stadium pitch at the end of a lengthy European Cup night. If no European Cup champion is decided after 90 minutes and subsequent extra time, the match is considered a draw in soccer statistics. The penalty shoot-out that follows to determine the winner is not relevant to statistical data—neither the scorers' nor the teams' records. The major soccer associations also support this view: FIFA evaluates world rankings based on results after 120 minutes, just as UEFA does for their five-year ranking.
Bayer Leverkusen might break another record even if they lose on penalties. No club has held the title of unofficial world club champion for as long in the history of soccer. Since the first goal scored in an FA Cup match between Upton Park and Clapham Rovers on November 11, 1871, the championship has been a weekly event like boxing matches - where the old king gets dethroned by the new one, irrespective of competition. Bayer Leverkusen have held the title for the longest since becoming unofficial world champions against RB Leipzig at the start of the season. The 5,322nd "battle" for the unofficial Club World Cup will happen this evening.
Although Bayern Leverkusen hasn't lost 51 matches, they are not blind to the importance of their historic run. "We've won 51 games. So go ahead and make us the favorites," said striker Patrik Schick before the final. "We're outstanding now. It's a final, so there's something special about it. Atalanta is very strong, but they know we're going into this game with 51 games without losing."
Extending overtime should be avoided as there's still a final in the DFB Cup on Saturday. However, Bayern Leverkusen will not rely on stoppage time in Dublin either, though they have often scored goals in the past. "If it happens again in the final, it would be something special," said Schick. "However, we want to conclude it earlier."
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Despite their impressive run in the Bundesliga and Europa League, Bayer 04 Leverkusen might face their first defeat in 51 games if they lose to Atalanta Bergamo in the Europa League finals. If Bayer Leverkusen manages to extend their winning streak by clinching the Europa League title, they would continue setting records in the Soccer Bundesliga and European Cup competitions.
Source: www.ntv.de
