Victor Boniface was the standout performer as Bayer Leverkusen secured a 1-0 victory over AC Milan at home in the Champions League on Tuesday, maintaining their perfect start in the competition.
The match’s decisive moment came early in the second half when Boniface displayed his striker’s instinct, capitalizing on a rebound to give Xabi Alonso’s side a crucial three points.
Having been Europa League finalists in May, Leverkusen continued their impressive form from last season, winning both of their Champions League matches while scoring five goals and conceding none. In contrast, this defeat marked AC Milan’s second straight loss in the group stage, following a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool in their opening match.
Boniface nearly broke the deadlock in the 21st minute, but VAR ruled out his potential goal for offside in the buildup. Leverkusen maintained pressure, gaining the upper hand against their Italian rivals. German starlet Florian Wirtz was instrumental in their attacking play, with Boniface constantly troubling the Milan defense.
Milan’s goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, kept the score level until the 51st minute, when Boniface struck. After Maignan parried a low shot from Jeremie Frimpong, Boniface was there to finish from close range, finally giving Leverkusen the lead.
The goal energized Milan, who began to threaten Leverkusen’s defense. Youssouf Fofana made two attempts from distance that tested goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky. Frimpong then had a chance to secure the win with 15 minutes left, but his shot found only the side netting with just Maignan to beat.
Milan came close to equalizing in the final 10 minutes when Theo Hernandez’s deflected shot hit the crossbar. Alvaro Morata’s headed follow-up just missed the far post. Hradecky was also forced to punch away a powerful strike from Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Leverkusen continued to push for a second goal and nearly wrapped up the match in injury time, with Nathan Tella’s left-footed shot flashing narrowly past the post.
