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6 months ago
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Xabi Alonso has sensationally guided Bayer Leverkusen to their first ever Bundesliga title, ending Bayern Munich's 11-seasons of dominance.
What is particularly staggering is that Leverkusen could go the whole season without losing a game, should they come away unscathed in their final two league fixtures against VFL Bochum and Augsburg.
But there have been times during the 2023-24 campaign where they have had to rely on a bit of resilience, a stroke of genius and a few last-minute goals. In fact, they currently rank top in Europe's top five leagues having scored the most decisive goals past 90 minutes out of any club.
According to Stats Perform, in 49 matches across all competitions, they have scored 17 goals beyond full-time. Yet, Leverkusen have scored six equalisers and another six have been winning goals - meaning they have a combined total of 12 decisive goals this season.
In fact, Leverkusen have remarkably scored last minute equalisers in two of their last three matches, with Robert Andrich finding the back of the net in the sixth minute of injury time during their 2-2 draw to Stuttgart.
Bayer Leverkusen have scored the most goals after 90 minutes in Europe's top five leagues this season
It comes as Xabi Alonso has emphatically guided the club to their first ever Bundesliga title in
Leverkusen have remarkably scored last minute equalisers in two of their last three matches
Meanwhile, Josip Stanisic found the back of the net late-on to equalise during their 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund.
Further down the rankings surprise Premier League club have placed second for the most combined winners and equalisers scored this season past 90 minutes.
Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea side have been criticised this season for their indifferent form, having slumped down the table amid an injury blighted season.
Yet, there are promising signs for a side packed full of young talent, but have raised eyebrows for their lack of experience.
Chelsea are the second team in Europe's top five leagues to have scored the most late equalisers and winners.
Who can forget Cole Palmer's sensational last minute double in the 10th and 11th minutes of injury time during Chelsea's huge 4-3 upset against Manchester United in April?
Mauricio Pochettino's side sit second in the rankings having scored a combined 12 winners and equalisers after 90 minutes
| Bayer Leverkusen | 49 | 17 | 6 | 6 | 12 |
| Chelsea | 48 | 13 | 3 | 4 | 7 |
| Real Madrid | 50 | 11 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Barcelona | 49 | 11 | 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Roma | 51 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Tottenham | 38 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Luton | 42 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| Hoffenheim | 43 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Cagliari | 38 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| *Data from Stats Perform |
Cole Palmer has been a source of their success this season amid his blistering goalscoring form
Chelsea have scored three equalisers and four winners past the 90 minute mark in their league games this season.
Real Madrid, who claimed a last gasp vicotry against Bayern Munich in midweek place joint second with Chelsea with seven combined late winners and equalisers, while Barcelona are fourth in the table, tied with Roma, Tottenham, Luton for a combined five goals (equalisers and winners) each.
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