Bayer Leverkusen fulfilled their dream of an unbeaten season and took another step forward with a win over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Xabi Alonso’s side drew 1-1 just before half-time, but Patrick Schick’s goal eased nerves before the break.
From then on, a penalty procession from Palacios, a shot from Jérémie Frimpong and an after-time goal from Victor Boniface saw the Bundesliga champions win 5-1.
In doing so, they equalled Benfica’s 48-match unbeaten streak between 1963 and 1965, encouraged in large part by Eusebio.
It also means that avoiding defeat in the second leg against Roma on Thursday will allow them to triumph in the Europa League final and break that long-standing record.
PLAYER RATINGS | Eintracht Frankfurt 1-5 Bayer Leverkusen
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