How Leverkusen staged sensational comeback to preserve epic 37-game unbeaten run

In every sphere of ordinary life, there are individuals who possess an innate gift for exuding confidence, effortlessly taking command of their surroundings. Their success often leaves others perplexed, pondering the secret sauce to their prowess. Do they simply fake it until they make it? Or is there something more to their achievements than meets the eye?

Bayer Leverkusen have just exemplified such indomitable self-assurance in a thrilling clash against Qarabag FK. Despite finding themselves two goals down, they staged a sensational comeback, ultimately prevailing with a 5-4 aggregate victory. This extraordinary win not only extended Xabi Alonso's side's unbeaten streak to an impressive 37 matches this season, but also propelled them into the quarterfinals of the Europa League.

Luck alone cannot account for the consistent success that Leverkusen have achieved under Alonso. There is more to their accomplishments than mere happenstance. Throughout this campaign, Leverkusen have repeatedly showcased their ability to overcome adversity and emerge victorious. No matter how dire the situation appeared, they always discovered a way to prevail. Thursday night's match once again highlighted to the world the true essence of what Alonso's Leverkusen represent. 

Any notion of a David-and-Goliath narrative between the seemingly invincible Leverkusen and Azerbaijani underdogs Qarabag was shattered in the first leg of their encounter. The highly-regarded German side fought back from a 2-0 deficit to secure a hard-fought 2-2 draw, narrowly preserving their impeccable record.  

Upon the return to BayArena, Qarabag once again proved that they were not to be underestimated. After a goalless first half, Qarabag seized the initiative in the second half when Abdellah Zoubir converted a cross from Leandro Andrade. However, their momentum was temporarily halted when Elvin Jafarguliyev was shown a red card after a VAR review. Undeterred by being reduced to 10 men, Qarabag extended their lead just five minutes later through Juninho.

The unheralded Qarabag had managed to establish a comfortable lead, but they were well aware that Leverkusen, under Alonso's tutelage, never know when to give up. Another nail-biting comeback seemed almost inevitable as Jeremie Frimpong unleashed a marvelous volley into the bottom corner with 20 minutes left on the clock.

Drawing on their previous encounter in Azerbaijan, where substitute Patrik Schick salvaged a late draw, Leverkusen summoned their trademark resilience once more. This time, Schick outdid himself by finding the net not once, but twice during stoppage time, sending the jubilant home supporters into a state of euphoria.  

Firstly, he displayed world class instinct to connect with Alex Grimaldo's low cross, guiding the ball into the back of the net with a delicate touch. Then, in the seventh minute of added time, he rose above the Qarabag defense, nodding in a header at the far post, crushing the hopes of the Azerbaijani side.

One could be excused for not having foreseen this outcome. It was not unfounded to speculate that Leverkusen might struggle to sustain their early-season brilliance, especially considering their lack of squad depth and the long-term absence of their leading goalscorer Victor Boniface. However, far from crumbling under these challenges, Alonso has expertly demonstrated his wisdom and versatility, as evidenced by their incredible triumph over Qarabag.

Leverkusen are now on the brink of matching their club record for the most victories in a single season, just three wins away from the milestone. They have already surpassed Bayern Munich's German record for the longest unbeaten streak.

With only 10 Bundesliga games remaining, Leverkusen stand as the strong favorites to capture their first-ever league title. The tantalizing prospect of claiming this elusive championship looms large. But the story doesn't end there. Alonso's side have also reached the semifinals of the German Cup and the quarterfinals of the Europa League, presenting a golden opportunity to secure a hat-trick of trophies. The potential for a truly historic season is within Alonso's grasp.

While it is acknowledged that Leverkusen's players may lack experience, and Alonso himself has been linked to managerial vacancies at clubs like Bayern and Liverpool. The winds of change may be blowing, and there may be a need for rebuilding in the future. However, the core essence of Leverkusen, that unwavering belief and determination, remains as potent as ever.