Bayer Leverkusen displayed a blend of attacking brilliance and defensive resilience to defeat AC Milan 1-0 at home in the Champions League on Tuesday. This win keeps their flawless record intact in this season’s competition.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Dominant Start
Bayer Leverkusen came into the match with confidence, having already secured a win in their opening group-stage game. The crucial moment arrived early in the second half when Victor Boniface pounced on a loose ball to give Xabi Alonso’s team the lead. With this win, Leverkusen have now scored five goals and conceded none in their first two Champions League matches.
Boniface Denied by VAR Before Scoring the Winner
Boniface initially thought he had put Bayer Leverkusen ahead in the 21st minute. However, VAR intervened, ruling out the goal for offside. Despite this setback, Leverkusen maintained their pressure, with young German star Florian Wirtz orchestrating their attacks. AC Milan’s goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, made crucial saves to keep the game scoreless going into halftime.
Boniface Strikes Early in the Second Half
Six minutes into the second half, Bayer Leverkusen finally broke the deadlock. Jeremie Frimpong’s low shot was parried by Maignan, but Boniface reacted quickly to fire the ball into the net. The Nigerian striker’s instinctive finish rewarded Leverkusen’s persistent efforts and proved to be the decisive moment of the match.
AC Milan Fight Back
After going behind, AC Milan increased their attacking efforts. Youssouf Fofana tried his luck with two powerful strikes from distance, but Bayer’s goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky stood firm. Milan continued to push for an equalizer, and Theo Hernandez came closest when his deflected shot hit the crossbar.
Leverkusen Hold On Under Pressure
Bayer Leverkusen had a chance to seal the victory with 15 minutes remaining, but Frimpong missed a golden opportunity, firing into the side netting. Milan came within inches of equalizing again when Alvaro Morata’s header went just wide of the post. Hradecky had to make another important save, this time from Ruben Loftus-Cheek, to keep Leverkusen in front.
Late Chances for Leverkusen
In the dying moments, Nathan Tella almost doubled Bayer Leverkusen’s lead. His left-footed effort from outside the box narrowly missed the far post. Despite the late pressure from Milan, Leverkusen held on to secure all three points and continue their strong start in Europe’s premier competition.
