picture alliance

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka fooled his manager Xabi Alonso and the entire Leverkusen staff, with a fake injury celebration after scoring a goal. The veteran midfielder scored a remarkable goal in the early minutes of the match against Mainz.

The Swiss international, who joined Bayer Leverkusen this season, after a successful stint in the Premier League with Arsenal, has been in great form. He netted his first goal against Mainz last night, marking his first Bundesliga goal since departing Monchengladbach in 2016. The 31-year-old skillfully positioned his body to strike a powerful left-footed shot from 25 yards out in the third minute of the match.

Following the goal, the former Arsenal star initially clutched his thighs, indicating a hamstring injury. This caused concern among Bayer Leverkusen’s staff and manager. However, he quickly alleviated fears by dancing to show he was physically fine, revealing the act was a prank. Xhaka and teammate Jeremie Frimpong celebrated the goal by playfully holding their legs, while the other players and manager Alonso smiled at the Swiss player.

Meanwhile, Xhaka’s goal was followed by Robert Andrich‘s strike in the 68th minute, helping Leverkusen secure a 2-1 victory over their opponents. This victory extended the club’s lead to 11 points at the top of the Bundesliga table, maintaining their unbeaten streak of 33 games.

Bayer Leverkusen set an incredible 33-game unbeaten record in all competitions

Bayer Leverkusen has exceeded expectations this season, leading the Bundesliga table with an 11-point advantage over defending champions Bayern Munich. Leverkusen’s recent victory against Mainz set a new record for any German club with an unbeaten streak of 33 games across all competitions.

Leverkusen, who have now won 29 and drawn four of their 33 games this season, broke the record set by Hansi Flick’s Bayern Munich side in the 2019-20 season. The 2019-20 season for Bayern was a memorable one, as they went on to win the Bundesliga and the Champions League titles. Ex-Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, who joined Leverkusen this season, has played a key role in their success, leading them to the top of the Bundesliga table.

The Spaniard has guided the club to 61 points from 23 matches, winning 19. Furthermore, he has high expectations to guide the team to their first-ever title in their 119-year history this season.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Patriots announce major honor for Tom Brady
Jaylen Brown, referees thwart Mavericks' comeback as Celtics take 3-0 series lead
NBA legend Jerry West dies at 86
Tom Brady's HOF speech provided closure for the Bill Belichick era
Why Caitlin Clark reminds Steve Kerr 'a lot' of Stephen Curry
Fernando Tatis Jr. looks like he finally has his swagger back
Tiger Woods to have interesting swing consultant at U.S. Open
Insider names the team to watch for Mitch Marner trade
Blue Jackets star forward reportedly requests trade
Watch: Luka Doncic fouls out amid Mavericks' failed comeback attempt vs. Celtics
Matt Turner redeems himself as USMNT holds Brazil to 1-1 draw
Joey Chestnut, Takeru Kobayashi to face off in hot dog eating competition on Netflix
Yankees confirm news on top prospect
Colts' Anthony Richardson has unusual take on NFL's level of difficulty
49ers' Christian McCaffrey addresses legend of 'Madden' curse after landing cover
Lionel Messi reveals whether he'll retire with Inter Miami CF
Browns' Myles Garrett using one thing as motivation for 2024 season
Vikings HC makes telling comments about Sam Darnold, J.J. McCarthy competition
Aaron Judge is the reason for the Yankees' new-look away uniforms
England's Gareth Southgate has blunt take on expectations at Euros