In an electrifying Champions League clash, Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface emerged as the hero of the night as Bayer Leverkusen beat AC Milan 1-0 at home to continue their perfect run in the prestigious competition.
The encounter proved to be a real spectacle, with the decisive moment coming early in the second half when Victor Boniface showed his goal-scoring instincts by volleying home an attempted strike to resoundingly secure all three points for Xabi Alonso’s side.
Having been unfortunate Europa League finalists in May, Leverkusen appear to have continued their excellent form from the previous season, winning both of their games in Europe’s premier club competition with five goals scored and none conceded.
However, it was a second defeat in as many Champions League games for seven-time winners AC Milan, having already lost 3-1 at home to Liverpool on Matchday 1.
Victor Boniface thought he had scored the opening goal for the German champions in the 21st minute, but VAR disallowed him his first Champions League goal for an offside position in the action.
The home side continued to push and took the lead over their Italian opponents. German star Florian Wirtz was at the heart of Leverkusen’s creative play, and Boniface was a nightmare for the opposition defence.
AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan kept the scoreless until half-time despite Leverkusen’s constant pressure.
Leverkusen’s dominance finally paid off six minutes after the break, when Boniface powered the ball into the back of the net after Maignan had only managed to push a low shot from Jeremie Frimpong onto the near post, giving the Germans a well-deserved victory.
The goal rekindled Milan’s hopes as they began to look more threatening, with Youssouf Fofana’s long-range efforts putting goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky to the test.
Despite a few chances for AC Milan to come back into the game late on, including a deflected shot from Theo Hernandez and a header from Alvaro Morata that flirted with the post, Leverkusen remained solid defensively.
The game could have been over in Leverkusen’s favour late on, but Frimpong and Tella’s efforts lacked the precision to seal the outcome.
In conclusion, Bayer Leverkusen’s impressive win over AC Milan underlines their status as serious Champions League contenders, while AC Milan will have to work harder to bounce back from a difficult start to the campaign.
Fatshimetrie News