Victor Boniface’s second-half goal proved crucial as Bayer Leverkusen secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over AC Milan, maintaining their perfect start in the Champions League campaign. This win at the BayArena not only highlighted Boniface’s pivotal role but also kept Leverkusen at the top of Group B with six points, while AC Milan remains winless after two games in the competition.
The match saw Boniface netting the decisive goal in the 51st minute, taking advantage of a rebound following a crucial save by Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who had denied a shot from Jeremie Frimpong moments earlier. This goal underscored Leverkusen’s persistence as they sought to break the deadlock against a resilient Milan side.
Leverkusen started the game with high intensity, dominating the early play and putting Milan's defense under significant pressure. However, the visitors were repeatedly thwarted by Maignan, who made several key saves to keep his team in contention until Boniface’s breakthrough moment finally came.[/p>
Following the match, Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso praised his team’s resilience and determination throughout the encounter. He remarked, “We showed spirit and character. In the Champions League, you have to know how to suffer and fight, not just play well.” Alonso’s comments reflected the team’s ability to withstand late pressure and maintain their focus despite the challenges posed by Milan in the final moments of the game.
Despite Milan’s attempts to level the score, including a near-miss header by Álvaro Morata that narrowly went off target, Leverkusen held firm defensively to secure the victory and solidify their position at the top of the group. The team’s defensive organization and composure under pressure were key elements in achieving this important win.
On the other hand, Milan manager Paulo Fonseca expressed his frustration over a late non-penalty decision that he felt could have changed the outcome of the match. Nevertheless, he acknowledged his side's difficulties in breaking down Leverkusen’s well-structured defense, which proved to be a formidable barrier throughout the game. Fonseca's comments highlighted the challenges his team faced and the need for improvement as they look to find their footing in the Champions League this season.