Fifty-one and out: Leverkusen fans react to their unbeaten run ending
Bayer Leverkusen fans displayed a variety of responses as to whether or not their unbeaten campaign mattered at this late stage of the season. Since UEFA competitions began, Leverkusen had already surpassed a Eusébio-inspired Benfica record of 48 games unbeaten set between 1963-65.
However, some Werkself fans felt the prospect of an unbeaten season was potentially greater than securing European silverware.
"Absolutely!" exclaimed Torsten, a Leverkusen fan based in Frankfurt. “It [the unbeaten streak ending] hurts almost more than not winning the [Europa League] cup tonight,” he said.
Ultimately, the vast majority of supporters who made the trip to the Irish capital enjoyed the invincible ride, but felt winning the Bundesliga title is what mattered most.
"No it is ok! It's been a great season for me; especially because I have been a Bayer Leverkusen fan since I was a child. My big, big dream was to to see Bayer win the German championship. Everything else after that was a bonus for me," added 36-year-old Maurice from Leverkusen.
Janis, also living in Leverkusen, believed the players did not prioritise the streak over silverware:
"The unbeaten run was a very good thing. I saw [Granit] Xhaka said the run of 51 games was not on their minds. But its OK, it was an amazing streak of games. We are better [than how we played vs Atalanta] but we will recover," he explained.
Til, 51, from the same city as the German champions, praised their fans who showed unwavering support despite defeat as the final whistle sounded:
"No, we [Leverkusen fans] don't mind the run ending. "The fans were very fair [in the Dublin Arena] and they stayed really long in the stadium [after full-time] and still celebrated their team. They were German champion this season for the first time and I think that was more important".
Two supporters, Moritz and Leon, stated that the run was fun while it lasted but focus must turn to the DfB Pokal final this Saturday.
"It's been a brilliant season. Of course we are sad tonight, but we had an unbeaten [Bundesliga] season. We have won the Meisterschale we are really happy about the season, Xabi Alonso, and the team. Therefore I think there is no reason to complain about the run ending and we have the Pokal to focus on", said the duo.