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Real Madrid’s unbeaten run: Celtic? Juventus? Benfica? A look at all records Zinedine Zidane’s men are aiming to overtake

A dramatic 3-3 at Sevilla extended Los Blancos' run to 40-games, but they are a long way away from No.1 invincible side

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REAL MADRID march on in search of more history, as they look to extend their unbeaten run to 41 matches.

This glorious club could be set to write their name in folklore for yet another reason.

Karim Benzema's equaliser maintained unbeaten run with 3-3 draw at Sevilla
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Karim Benzema's equaliser maintained unbeaten run with 3-3 draw at SevillaCredit: EPA

They are already far the most successful team in European Cup/Champions League history with a whopping 11 victories — four ahead of closest rivals, AC Milan.


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A dramatic comeback from 3-1 down with seven minutes remaining to secure a draw at Sevilla ensured Real Madrid equalled Nottingham Forest’s famous 40-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

Tonight, Zinedine Zidane’s men return to the Sanchez Pizjuan in La Liga, edging nearer to history.

The incredible run started in March 2, when they beat Levante 3-1, following a defeat at home to Atletico Madrid.

But what records can they achieve? And who is the definitive No.1?

SunSport takes a look at all the teams still in their way.

Europes longest unbeaten runs

62 — Celtic, Scotland: 1915-17

60 — Union SG, Belgium: 1933-35

53 — Lincoln Red Imps, Gibraltar: 2014-15

48 — Benfica, Portugal: 1963-65

45 — Dinamo Zagreb, Croatia: 2014-15

43 — Juventus, Italy: 2011-12

42 — AC Milan, Italy: 1991-92

42 — Ajax, Holland: 1995-96

41 — Lincoln Red Imps, Gibraltar: 2007-09

40 — Nottingham Forest, England: 1978

40 — Real Madrid, Spain: 2016-17

39 — Barcelona, Spain: 2015-16

36 — AC Milan Italy: 1991-92

Cristiano Ronaldo scores against Levante to set Real Madrid on incredible run
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Cristiano Ronaldo scores against Levante to set Real Madrid on incredible runCredit: Getty Images
Juventus celebrate 2012 league title, which coincided with 43-game unbeaten run
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Juventus celebrate 2012 league title, which coincided with 43-game unbeaten runCredit: Reuters
Edinson Cavani and Napoli eventually ended Juventus' run in Italian Cup final
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Edinson Cavani and Napoli eventually ended Juventus' run in Italian Cup finalCredit: Reuters

In terms of the top five leagues in Europe — Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1 — it’s Juventus who hold the record.

The Italian giants went 43 matches unbeaten under Antonio Conte from 2011 to 2012.

The Bianconeri had finished the previous season in seventh place — and clearly benefited from a lack of European football.

Amazingly, that run came to an end in the Coppa Italia final, when they lost 2-0 to Napoli.

Egypt's Al Ahly have longest post-war record, with 55 games unbeaten
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Egypt's Al Ahly have longest post-war record, with 55 games unbeatenCredit: Getty Images

World Football's longest unbeaten runs

62 — Celtic, Scotland: 1915-17

60 — Union SG, Belgium: 1933-35

55 — Al Ahly, Egypt: 2004-05

53 — Lincoln Red Imps, Gibraltar: 2014-15

52 — ASEC Mimosas, Ivory Coast: 1990

48 — Benfica, Portugal: 1963-65

45 — Dinamo Zagreb, Croatia: 2014-15

44 — Botafogo, Brazil: 1977-78

43 — Juventus, Italy: 2011-12

42 — AC Milan, Italy: 1991-92

42 — Ajax, Holland: 1995-96

41 — Lincoln Red Imps, Gibraltar: 2007-09

40 — Nottingham Forest, England: 1978

40 — Real Madrid, Spain: 2016-17

39 — Barcelona, Spain: 2015-16

36 — AC Milan Italy: 1991-92

But they are still a long away from the most ‘invincible’ team across the entire continent.

As, it’s across all competitions, we are not talking about Arsenal.

Europe’s longest unbeaten streak ever, was actually achieved by Celtic under legendary manager, Willie Maley.

They went unbeaten for a whopping 62 games without losing from 1915 to 1917.

At that time, they only played league games and the run was eventually ended by Kilmarnock.

Legendary Willie Maley led Celtic to incredible 62-match unbeaten run
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Legendary Willie Maley led Celtic to incredible 62-match unbeaten run

In between Real Madrid and the Glasgow giants stand nine different teams from three continents.

Belgium’s Union SG are next with a run of 60 matches without defeat from 1933 to 1935.

But since World War II, it’s Egyptian side, Al Ahly who achieved the best run.

They went an impressive 55 games without losing in 2004-05.

Benfica hold longest unbeaten run in Europe since continental competition
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Benfica hold longest unbeaten run in Europe since continental competitionCredit: Getty Images
Real Madrid equalled Nottingham Forest's famous 40-match unbeaten run
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Real Madrid equalled Nottingham Forest's famous 40-match unbeaten runCredit: Getty Images
Zinedine Zidane watches victory No.1 of run, against Levante on March 2, 2016
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Zinedine Zidane watches victory No.1 of run, against Levante on March 2, 2016Credit: Getty Images


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Gibraltar’s Lincoln Red Imps — who played Celtic in the Champions League earlier this season — have twice gone on a run over 40 matches unbeaten.

From 2010 to 2012, they went 53 games without tasting defeat, and from 2007 to 2009, had an unbeaten streak of 41 matches.

Since the advent of European competition, Benfica are Europe’s side with the longest unbeaten run of 48 matches from 1963 to 1965.

Incidentally, Manchester United's 33 match streak in 1999 — which included the Treble — is a record in the Premier League era.

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