Victor Boniface was on the scoring chat as Bayer Leverkusen defeated Hoffenheim 3-1 on Sunday, narrowing the gap to six points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich. The Nigerian striker made a successful return to the team by scoring a goal just days after his proposed move to Saudi Arabia collapsed.
The 24-year-old Super Eagles forward had been left out of training last week while negotiating a transfer to Al-Nassr, where he would have played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the deal fell through on Wednesday, and coach Xabi Alonso handed him a surprise start.
Boniface, making his first appearance since suffering a thigh injury on international duty with Nigeria in November, wasted no time making an impact. In the 15th minute, he latched onto a pass from Alex Grimaldo before rifling a powerful left-footed strike through Hoffenheim goalkeeper Luca Philipp.
Four minutes later, Jeremie Frimpong doubled Leverkusen’s lead with a brilliant solo effort, sprinting down the right flank and curling a sublime shot into the far corner.
Leverkusen thought they had a chance to extend their lead in the 24th minute when Nathan Tella was brought down in the box, but the decision was overturned by VAR. In a Bundesliga first, the referee announced the explanation over the stadium speakers as part of a new test program.
Boniface was substituted at halftime for Patrik Schick, who wasted no time making an impact, scoring six minutes after the restart. The Czech striker pounced on a rebound after clever buildup play from Aston Villa loanee Emi Buendía, who was making his Leverkusen debut.
Schick has now scored 14 goals in his last 10 league games.
Despite a commanding lead, Leverkusen had to endure some nervy moments after losing Grimaldo to a second yellow card and conceding to Gift Orban within two minutes. However, Alonso’s side held firm to secure a crucial victory.
Leverkusen remain six points behind Bayern, with a crucial showdown against the defending champions looming at the BayArena in two weeks.
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