Leverkusen's unbeaten run reaches 45 games with 97th-minute goal

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Updated: Apr 21, 2024, 08:45 pm

Bayer Leverkusen's Josip Stanisic scored a stoppage-time goal for the champions to rescue a 1-1 Bundesliga draw at Borussia Dortmund on Sunday and prevent Xabi Alonso's side from suffering their first loss of the season.

Striker Niclas Fullkrug gave Dortmund the lead in the 81st minute with a volley inside the left post, after Marcel Sabitzer teed him up with a lovely cushioned pass before the ball went in off goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky's gloves.

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But Stanisic levelled for Leverkusen in the seventh minute of stoppage time, heading home a Florian Wirtz corner to extend the newly-crowned champions' unbeaten run in all competitions to 45 games.

"The goal we conceded hurt, but we kept going and I'm happy with our reaction," Alonso told DAZN. "We're still waiting for our big party. Now we'll recover a bit and then prepare well for Stuttgart, which will be a very exciting game.

"We just don't want to lose. The goal was very emotional, celebrating with the fans was very nice and it means a lot to us all."

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Leverkusen, who last weekend secured their first Bundesliga title with a 5-0 victory over Werder Bremen, are on 80 points from 30 games.

Dortmund, who on Tuesday advanced to the Champions League semifinals with a 5-4 aggregate win over Atletico Madrid, are fifth with 57 points, two points behind fourth-placed Leipzig.

Nathan Tella could have then opened the scoring for Alonso's men from point-blank range in the 68th minute, after Jonas Hofmann squared him the ball inside the box, but Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel showed off his skills to catch the ball on the goalline.

Things got tense between the players and Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface was initially shown a red card for what seemed an unsportsmanlike conduct, but the referee overturned his decision after a VAR check.

Grimaldo had another great chance from a free kick as he sent the ball towards the upper corner that was denied by a stunning save from Kobel, before Stanisic found the record-saving equaliser less than a minute later following a corner.

Leverkusen have not won any of their last four Bundesliga matches against Dortmund, their longest ongoing winless run against any current top-flight side.