Bayer Leverkusen Triumphs: Chasing Bayern’s Lead
Bayer Leverkusen triumphs over Hoffenheim with a 3-1 victory, reducing Bayern Munich’s lead to six points. Victor Boniface, returning to the lineup after a failed Al-Nassr transfer, made an immediate impact with a 15th-minute goal.
“Boni needed to feel part of the squad again. The home support played a key role,” said Xabi Alonso.
Boniface, sidelined since November due to a thigh injury, wasted no time making his mark. Receiving a precise pass from Alex Grimaldo, he powered a left-footed strike past Luca Philipp, setting the tone for Leverkusen’s dominance.
Leverkusen Strikes Again
Leverkusen doubled their lead just four minutes later. Jeremie Frimpong sprinted down the right, controlled the ball perfectly, and curled a shot into the far corner.
- In the 24th minute, Nathan Tella won a penalty, but VAR overturned the call.
- This moment marked a Bundesliga first, as the referee explained his decision through stadium speakers, part of a pilot program.
Schick Extends the Lead
Boniface exited at halftime, replaced by Patrik Schick—a move that paid off. Just six minutes after the restart, Schick pounced on a rebound, netting his 14th goal in 10 league matches.
- Emi Buendia, making his debut after arriving from Aston Villa, was involved in the build-up.
- Schick’s form strengthens Leverkusen’s attacking power.
“Schick is in top form, and his confidence shows in front of goal,” Alonso noted.
Late Drama: Hoffenheim Strikes Back
Despite Leverkusen’s dominance, they faced a nervy finish. Grimaldo received a second yellow, reducing them to ten men.
- Two minutes later, Gift Orban capitalized, pulling a goal back for Hoffenheim.
- However, Leverkusen held firm, securing a vital three points.
With this win, Leverkusen keeps pace with Bayern, setting up an electrifying clash at BayArena in two weeks.
Frankfurt Salvages Late Draw Against Wolfsburg
Elsewhere, Eintracht Frankfurt rescued a point, battling back for a 1-1 draw against Wolfsburg.
“We lacked intensity and pressing aggression,” admitted Frankfurt’s Arthur Theate, who recently extended his contract until 2029.
A Costly Mistake: Wolfsburg Takes the Lead
Frankfurt struggled, looking fatigued after their Europa League loss to Roma. Their sluggishness led to a costly own goal:
- In the 50th minute, Tuta mistakenly deflected the ball into his own net under pressure from Mohamed Amoura.
Uzun Saves Frankfurt
With just nine minutes left, Jean-Matteo Bahoya sent a perfect cross into the box. Can Uzun rose highest, heading home the equalizer.
- Frankfurt nearly won in stoppage time, but Uzun’s shot sailed over the crossbar.
Bundesliga Standings: A Tight Battle
Bayer Leverkusen triumphs again, keeping the title race alive.
- Leverkusen sits second, trailing Bayern by six points.
- Frankfurt holds onto fourth place, five points clear of RB Leipzig.
- Wolfsburg moves into 10th place, overtaking Dortmund.
With the Leverkusen vs. Bayern showdown in two weeks, the title race could shift dramatically. Alonso’s men, energized by Boniface’s return, look ready to mount a serious challenge for Bundesliga glory.