Bayer Leverkusen kicked off their Champions League campaign with a resounding 1-0 victory over AC Milan at the BayArena. The German side, fresh off their Bundesliga title triumph, showcased their dominance with a display of tactical prowess and clinical finishing. Victor Boniface emerged as the hero for Leverkusen, scoring the only goal of the match in the 51st minute.
Leverkusen dominated possession and created numerous chances in the first half, but Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan stood firm, denying several dangerous attempts. However, the tide turned six minutes into the second half when Boniface capitalized on a rebound after Maignan parried a shot from Jeremie Frimpong. The goal unleashed a wave of momentum for Leverkusen, while Milan struggled to regain their composure.
Despite the early setback, Milan fought hard to find an equalizer. They pressed high, pinned Leverkusen back, and threatened to score on multiple occasions. However, Leverkusen’s defense stood strong, denying Milan any clear-cut opportunities. In the latter stages of the game, Milan’s frustrations grew as they missed several chances to level the score. Ultimately, Leverkusen’s resilience and tactical discipline proved too much for Milan to overcome.
Leverkusen’s victory was a testament to their well-rounded squad and tactical flexibility. Their ability to control the tempo and create scoring opportunities throughout the match was impressive. The German side now sits atop Group E with six points, following their previous 4-0 thrashing of Feyenoord. Milan, on the other hand, are yet to secure a point in the competition, having suffered a 3-1 loss to Liverpool in their opening game. They will need to regroup quickly and find a winning formula to stay in contention in Group E.
