Boniface’s lone-strike sink Milan as Leverkusen claim vital win

Bayer Leverkusen secured a 1-0 win over AC Milan on Tuesday night thanks to a Victor Boniface strike

The Bundesliga side dominated the first half, but the Rossoneri gave the impression they could be dangerous on the counter.

It was an encouraging sign, but Leverkusen put a damper on their hopes with the only goal of the night a few minutes after the restart.

This time, Boniface made no mistake as he pounced on Maignan’s deflection’s from a Frimpong cross and slotted the ball home at the far post. 

Xabi Alonso’s side reaped the rewards of their domination and seemed ready to hit again, but Milan and Fonseca suddenly flipped the script on them. 

The goal conceded was a wake up call for the Rossoneri, who created no less than four chances to equalize in the second half. On 56 minutes, Pulisic served Tijani Reijnders with a brilliant through pass in the box, but the Dutchman waited too much time to shot and, when he finally pulled the trigger, saw himself denied by Hradecky.

Youssef Fofana tried to catch the Finnish goalkeeper by surprise with a long-range screamer from outside the box but saw his effort defused. 

Hradecky risked a lot a few minutes later as he staggered to control the ball from a back pass. Alvaro Morata, who had replaced Tammy Abraham a few minutes earlier, had come close to snatching the ball from his feet but was not lucky on the occasion.  

On 82 minutes, Milan had a sensation double chance: Theo Hernandez’s deflected shot hit the crossbar, then Morata had probably the greatest opportunity in the game but headed the ball off target from close range. 

Hradecky then saved from Ruben Loftus-Cheek as Leverkusen weathered the final storm and preserved their slim lead. 

Milan deserved at least one point but woke up too late. And now, with two losses out of two games, their chances of making it past the group stage are already at risk. 

This is the second loss in a row for Paulo Fonseca’s side in the top continental competition. They played an opposite match than two weeks ago against Liverpool.

On that night at the San Siro, they had gained an early opener only to vanish and surrender 1-3 to the Reds. Tonight in Leverkusen, they were nowhere to be seen for the whole first half but dominated the second part of the game after Boniface drew first blood for the Germans. But it was too late. 

Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso will continue their adventure in Europe as they hope to build on the fine performances.