Granit Xhaka equalled a unique UEFA record on Thursday night as Bayer Leverkusen booked their place in the Europa League final.
Xabi Alonso’s men staged an incredible late rally to break the record for the most consecutive games unbeaten since the inception of European competitions.
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Leverkusen’s total of 49 games without defeat was in danger of ending with the German outfit 2-0 down to Roma, with ten minutes remaining.
But two late goals handed the newly-crowned Bundesliga champions safe passage to the final in Dublin later this month, with Xhaka playing a key role in his side's stunning comeback.
Two penalties from Leandro Paredes may have fired the Serie A side into the ascendancy at the BayArena, but it was Leverkusen who were the dominant attacking force over the course of the tie.
Alonso’s troops registered a staggering 32 shots in the second leg, compared to just 12 from the Giallorossi.
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Leverkusen’s attacking prowess was spearheaded by ex-Arsenal midfielder Xhaka, who was able to match an impressive UEFA record.
According to Opta, the Swiss star created a whopping ten chances from open play to equal the record for the most in a Europa League match.
His efforts saw him draw level with former Chelsea and Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata, who achieved the same feat for Valencia against Club Brugge in 2010.
Xhaka left Arsenal last summer after seven years at the Emirates and has played a key role in Leverkusen claiming a maiden Bundesliga title.
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Speaking to RTL following the four-goal thriller, Xhaka said: “We didn’t even know how we were down 2-0 in the first place.
"We had clear opportunities, especially in the first half, but also in the second.
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"Unfortunately we conceded instead of scoring, but we came back against a team with a lot of experience.
“Not losing again is incredible, once again a great determination on our part. We are in the final, it’s a dream come true.
“I feel goosebumps! You dream of being able to experience such atmospheres and you leave like this.
"As a boy you would like to be part of such matches, truly incredible to have equalised just before the end. Now we will fully enjoy this evening.”
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Leverkusen have just four games remaining to complete a historic unbeaten season across all competitions.
Alonso’s side head to Bochum on Sunday before finishing the season at home to Augsburg.
Then, they head to Dublin for the Europa League final before contesting the DFB-Pokal final against Kaiserslautern on May 25.