Ranking the 7 Longest Unbeaten Runs in Europe's Top 10 Leagues

Ranking the 7 Longest Unbeaten Runs in Europe's Top 10 Leagues

Isaac Darko
updated at May 10, 2024 at 3:45 AM
In this article:
Bayer Leverkusen logo
Bayer Leverkusen
Germany
34
AS Roma logo
AS Roma
Italy
35
UEFA Europa League logo
UEFA Europa League
Europe
  • Bayer Leverkusen's unbeaten streak is the best in European football history
  • Benfica and Rangers have also achieved impressive unbeaten runs in the past
  • Sports Brief takes a look at the top seven longest-unbeaten runs in Europe

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Bayer Leverkusen's remarkable unbeaten run this season has captured global attention.

Securing the Bundesliga title, their first major championship, was just the beginning.

After a thrilling comeback from being 2-0 down against Roma, they are now on the cusp of claiming both the Europa League and DFB Pokal titles, with just two games remaining.

Leverkusen celebrates after defender Josip Stanisic scored in the seventh minute of injury time to..
Leverkusen celebrates after defender Josip Stanisic scored in the seventh minute of injury time to seal progress to the Europa League final. Photo by Kirill Kudryavtsev.
Source: AFP

Their journey has been marked by last-minute equalisers, breathtaking winners, and unwavering determination, emblematic of the skilful guidance of Xabi Alonso, per GOAL.

The victory over Roma holds significance beyond advancing to the Europa League final; it also shattered the record for the longest unbeaten streak in the history of Europe's top 10 leagues.

Thanks to Bayer Leverkusen's extraordinary performance, Sports Brief explores the seven greatest unbeaten streaks in Europe.

Longest unbeaten runs in Europe

Fiorentina (40 games unbeaten)

Taking a step back to 1955 may seem daunting, but Fiorentina's remarkable achievement has endured. On April 17th, 1955, Fiorentina suffered a crushing defeat, losing 5-1 to Atalanta in Bergamo.

Despite the setback against a team barely avoiding relegation, it marked the last time Fiorentina tasted defeat until June 3rd, 1956.

This period epitomised their exceptional quality, culminating in winning the Serie A in 1956 with 53 points, losing only one match on the season's final day. Giuseppe Virgili's contributions propelled them to glory as one of Italy's premier teams asserted dominance across the nation.

Ajax (42 games unbeaten)

Ajax reigns supreme as the Netherlands' paramount club, exuding a unique charisma and prestige unmatched by any other. Despite the weight of expectation, they consistently dominate Dutch football, exemplified notably in 1996.

Their unyielding legacy faced a setback at the year's onset with a 1-0 defeat to Willem II, yet they rallied to secure the league title with a six-point margin.

Amidst their unbeaten streak, they clinched the Champions League the preceding year, triumphing over AC Milan in the final. This feat coincided with their unbeaten Eredivisie campaign, showcasing their formidable resilience on the field.

AC Milan (42 games unbeaten)

In the 1990s, AC Milan also showcased their unbeatable prowess. They went an impressive 42 matches without defeat across all competitions.

Even more remarkable was their 58-match unbeaten streak in Serie A from 1991 to 1993. Though occasional losses in other competitions occurred, their dominance earned them the moniker Gli invincibili (the invincibles) in the media.

Their unbeaten run culminated in the 1991/1992 Serie A title, with Marco van Basten's 25 goals proving instrumental in their triumph.

Juventus (43 games unbeaten)

Juventus reclaimed Serie A glory in 2012, marking their first legitimate league triumph since 2003.

Despite earlier wins in 2004/2005 and 2005/2006, both were nullified due to the Calciopoli scandal. Their undefeated league campaign in 2012 set a record for the 20-team league format in Italy.

Under Antonio Conte's leadership, they reached the Coppa Italia final, suffering their sole loss of the season against Napoli (2-0). Juventus epitomized sheer dominance throughout.

Rangers (44 games unbeaten)

Celtic's unbeaten record during the 2016/2017 season stands as a remarkable achievement in Scottish football history.

However, Rangers' performance in the 1992/1993 campaign surpassed it, going unbeaten for 44 matches, including 10 in the Champions League, showcasing Scottish football's prowess on the grandest stage.

Despite falling short in the league, Rangers' dominance was evident as they secured their fifth domestic treble and clinched their ninth consecutive league title. In the enduring rivalry between Celtic and Rangers, the latter's historic record remains indelible.

Benfica (48 games unbeaten)

With Eusebio leading the charge, the Portuguese giants asserted their dominance in Europe and their domestic league.

In the 1963/1964 season, they suffered only one league defeat, followed by just two losses the next season, per UEFA.

Despite a loss in the 1965 European Cup final to Real Madrid, their exceptional talent fueled a lengthy unbeaten run.

However, nearly 60 years later, a Bundesliga team has surpassed their streak, marking an extraordinary turn of events.

Bayer Leverkusen (49 games unbeaten)

Bayer Leverkusen's 2023/2024 campaign has been nothing short of spectacular.

Their triumphs extended beyond the domestic league, as they conquered Roma in the Europa League semi-finals, setting a new record for the longest unbeaten streak in Europe's top 10 leagues.

With a spot already secured in the DFB Pokal final, the possibility of claiming a treble without a single defeat looms large. Such an accomplishment would arguably rank as the greatest feat in club football history.

10 times Leverkusen have scored late goals

Sports Brief also reported that Bayer Leverkusen's season has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by their knack for scoring late goals.

Guided by Xabi Alonso, they stand as the only undefeated team across Europe's top five leagues.

Leverkusen's penchant for late-game heroics has defined their campaign, showcasing their resilient spirit and refusal to give up.

Authors
Isaac Darko photo
Isaac Darko
Isaac Darko is a La Liga, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga editor at Sports Brief with a Degree in Journalism and Communications from Ghana Institute of Journalism (2010)