Bayer Leverkusen sealed the Bundesliga title officially with a resounding 5-0 victory over Werder Bremen, five rounds before the end of the season. They surged 16 points clear of their closest pursuer, Bayern Munich, thus ending the Bavarian club’s 11-year uninterrupted dominance in German football.
This season, Bayer has showcased an almost unreal level of football prowess. The German side boasts an impressive record of 43 matches unbeaten across all competitions, netting a total of 123 goals. They are set to contest the cup final against Kaiserslautern and are in the quarterfinals of the Europa League, leading 2-0 against West Ham United, thus remaining in contention for a historic treble.
For Bayer’s fans, this season may help heal the painful memories of the incredibly unfortunate 2002 campaign when Bayer lost the Champions League final, the cup final, and the league title by a single point, giving rise to the myth of “Neverkusen,” the cursed club that would never lift a trophy.
Equaling Juventus’ 2012 Record
Out of Bayer’s 43-match unbeaten run, 29 occurred in the Bundesliga, five in the DFB Pokal, and nine in the Europa League. Such an extensive undefeated streak across all competitions has been matched only by Juventus in the history of football from May 22, 2011, to May 13, 2012. Bayer could surpass the Old Lady’s record if they avoid defeat against West Ham in the Europa League quarterfinals.
However, Bayer’s streak is even more impressive than Juventus’ as the Apothecaries have won a staggering 38 out of their 43 matches, while the Italian club managed 26 wins and 17 draws. Following Bayer and Juventus are Milan with 42 unbeaten matches (1992-1993), Real Madrid (2016-2017), and Nottingham Forest (1978) with 40 consecutive unbeaten matches.
The absolute world record, encompassing all clubs and leagues beyond the top five leagues, remains distant. The record stands at 66 matches unbeaten, held by Scottish Celtic from 1915 to 1916.
Longest Unbeaten Runs across All Competitions among Clubs from the Top Five Leagues:
Bayer Leverkusen – 43 (2023-2024)
Juventus – 43 (2011-2012)
Milan – 42 (1992-1993)
Nottingham Forest – 40 (1978)
Real Madrid – 40 (2016-2017)
Barcelona – 39 (2015-2016)
Milan – 36 (1991-1992)
Real Madrid – 34 (1988-1989)
Manchester United – 33 (1998-1999)
Bayern – 32 (2019-2020)
