In a thrilling Champions League encounter, Bayer Leverkusen secured a narrow 1-0 victory against AC Milan on October 1, 2024. The match, held at Leverkusen’s home ground, saw the German side dominate possession and create numerous chances. Despite Milan’s efforts to equalize, a second-half goal by Victor Boniface proved decisive, giving Leverkusen a perfect start to their campaign while leaving Milan still searching for their first points.
Leverkusen’s Dominance in the First Half
From the outset, Bayer Leverkusen showcased their intent to control the game. They maintained the majority of possession and created several scoring opportunities. Milan’s defense, led by goalkeeper Mike Maignan, was put to the test repeatedly. Despite their efforts, Milan struggled to gain a foothold in the game, often finding themselves on the back foot.
Leverkusen’s midfield was particularly effective, with players like Florian Wirtz and Exequiel Palacios orchestrating play. Their ability to break down Milan’s defensive lines was evident, but the final touch eluded them in the first half. Milan, on the other hand, found it challenging to string together meaningful attacks, often losing the ball in midfield.
As the first half drew to a close, it was clear that Leverkusen was the more dominant side. However, their inability to convert chances into goals kept the scoreline level, giving Milan a glimmer of hope for the second half.
Boniface’s Decisive Goal
The breakthrough came shortly after the break, with Victor Boniface capitalizing on a rebound to score the only goal of the match. The goal was a result of sustained pressure from Leverkusen, who continued to press high and force errors from Milan’s defense. Boniface’s strike was well-deserved, reflecting Leverkusen’s overall dominance.
Milan’s response to the goal was immediate. They increased their attacking intensity, pushing Leverkusen back and creating several chances of their own. However, Leverkusen’s defense held firm, with Jonathan Tah and Edmond Tapsoba making crucial interventions to preserve their lead.
Despite Milan’s best efforts, they were unable to find an equalizer. Leverkusen’s disciplined defensive performance ensured that Boniface’s goal remained the difference between the two sides. The victory marked an important step for Leverkusen in their Champions League campaign.
Milan’s Struggles Continue
For AC Milan, the defeat was a continuation of their struggles in the Champions League. Having lost their opening match, they were desperate for a positive result against Leverkusen. However, their inability to control the midfield and create clear-cut chances proved to be their undoing.
Milan’s attacking trio, including Rafael Leão and Olivier Giroud, found it difficult to penetrate Leverkusen’s defense. The lack of service from midfield meant that they were often isolated and unable to influence the game. Coach Stefano Pioli will need to address these issues if Milan is to turn their campaign around.
The loss leaves Milan at the bottom of their group, with zero points from two matches. They will need to regroup quickly and find a way to secure points in their upcoming fixtures. For Leverkusen, the victory provides a solid foundation as they look to advance to the knockout stages of the competition.