Xabi Alonso is immortal! Leverkusen pull off stunning comeback

Bayer Leverkusen, in a thrilling turn of events, netted two goals during stoppage time against Qarabag, securing their spot in the Europa League quarter-finals and extending their remarkable unbeaten streak of 37 games.

Bayer Leverkusen staged a remarkable late comeback against Qarabag from Azerbaijan, maintaining their unbeaten record for the season intact with a dramatic victory.

After salvaging a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 matchup in Azerbaijan, Leverkusen outdid themselves in the return leg in Germany on Thursday. Qarabag, leading 2-0 after 67 minutes and despite being a man down just after the hour mark, seemed poised for a stunning victory. However, Leverkusen had different plans. Jeremie Frimpong narrowed the gap with a goal, and in the dying moments of the game, Patrik Schick scored two stoppage-time goals to secure a thrilling 3-2 win, ensuring his team's advancement in the competition.

Man of the match

Czech Republic forward Schick emerged as the late hero for Xabi Alonso's team. Initially, it appeared he would force the tie into extra time by guiding in Alex Grimaldo's cross. However, there was still time for another dramatic twist.

In the seventh additional minute, Schick's header from Exequiel Palacios' delivery ignited euphoric celebrations among the home fans at the BayArena, stunning the Azerbaijani visitors.

This dramatic turnaround extended the Bundesliga leaders' extraordinary unbeaten streak to 37 matches across all competitions this season.

What you have to know

Leverkusen remains unbeaten across all competitions this season, showcasing dominance that has placed them comfortably atop the Bundesliga standings with a 10-point lead, positioning them for their first-ever league title. Their success extends beyond domestic play, as they've also progressed to the DFB-Pokal semi-finals and maintained their European aspirations with a thrilling comeback against Qarabag in the Europa League.

The remarkable turnaround in the Europa League adds even more excitement to Leverkusen's exceptional campaign. Their resilience and ability to overcome adversity have been key characteristics, captivating fans and pundits alike. However, their achievements also bring challenges, notably the task of retaining their highly regarded coach, Xabi Alonso.
Alonso's managerial prowess has attracted interest from prestigious clubs such as Bayern Munich and Liverpool, both eyeing him as a potential summer signing. Leverkusen's management will undoubtedly strive to persuade Alonso to stay, recognizing his instrumental role in the team's success.

As Leverkusen prepares for their upcoming Bundesliga clash against Freiburg, they must quickly regroup from their Europa League heroics. This match marks their final fixture before the international break, offering them an opportunity to further solidify their league position and momentum heading into the latter stages of the season.