Bayer Leverkusen has concluded their 2024 season on a high note, defeating Freiburg 5-1, with captain Lukas Hradecky reflecting on his impressive record this year. The Finnish goalkeeper played a pivotal role as Leverkusen dominated their Bundesliga counterpart on December 21, 2024, celebrating Hradecky’s extraordinary feat of going unbeaten throughout the year.
Patrik Schick was the standout performer, scoring four of the five goals, showing remarkable precision and skill. Hradecky’s efforts as goalkeeper, albeit with one goal conceded, were not overshadowed by the offensive fireworks exhibited by Schick and his teammates. This match not only solidified Leverkusen’s recent form but also drew attention to Hradecky’s historic achievement.
The victory over Freiburg marked the end of Hradecky’s unbeaten run, as it was reported by the Finnish Football Association, which proclaimed, "Lukas Hradecky achieved an unbeaten year in the Bundesliga!" The post highlighted how the last Bundesliga loss for Hradecky dates back to May 2023, establishing the Finnish keeper as one of the most resilient playmakers on the pitch.
During the 2024 season, Hradecky has lined up for Leverkusen multiple times, with 37 league matches culminating in 27 victories, with the remaining ten ending level. After not participating during the 2-3 loss to RB Leipzig, where he was sidelined due to illness, Hradecky returned to his spot, managing to maintain his cool. Leverkusen celebrated Bundesliga and German Cup victories at the end of last season, leading to heightened expectations for the current campaign.
Now, Leverkusen stands just four points behind league leaders Bayern Munich, after recording eight consecutive wins. The team’s explosive comeback came during the concluding weeks before the Bundesliga entered its winter break. With the impressive statistics under Hradecky’s belt, the team now looks optimistically at the upcoming matches, including their first fixture of 2025 against Borussia Dortmund.
Looking back, Lukas Hradecky’s year will likely be marked not only by success on the field but by the camaraderie and teamwork displayed throughout the challenging season. His remarkable run undoubtedly puts him at the forefront of discussions surrounding top goalkeepers in the league.
Leverkusen will take significant momentum forward, aiming to challenge for the title when the league resumes post-holidays. The expected play on January 10 against Borussia Dortmund will certainly be one to watch for the continuous hopes of another remarkable performance by the team under Hradecky’s tenure.
Hradecky, 35, completed this remarkable year with accolades to boast — Bundesliga champion, German Cup winner, and Supercup victor — all contributing to his already distinguished career. The Finnish goalkeeper's ability to maintain composure under pressure has made him indispensable to the squad, earning him respect and admiration within the football community.
Reflecting on his accomplishments, Hradecky looks poised to continue his success, with the hopes to carry Leverkusen to even greater heights as the second half of the season approaches. Only time will tell how the team will position itself as they chase glory against their Bundesliga rivals.
