Sports News of Sunday, 18 August 2024

Source: soccernet.ng

Victor Boniface helps Bayer Leverkusen nail Stuttgart and win another trophy in Germany

Victor Boniface Victor Boniface

Super Eagles star Victor Boniface scored for Bayer Leverkusen in their penalty shootout win over Stuttgart in the German Super Cup on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Bayer Leverkusen squared off against Stuttgart for the German Super Cup at BayArena. Normally, the Super Cup is for the winners of the Bundesliga and the champions of the German Cup.

However, in cases when one team wins both, the team that finished second in the Bundesliga will take up the spot. So as Bayer Leverkusen won both titles last season, Stuttgart, who finished second in the Bundesliga squared off against them.

Die Werkself got off to a flying start, as Boniface gave them the lead inside eleven minutes.

A ball was swung in from the right of Bayer Leverkusen’s attack, then Edmond Tapsoba got to it at the far post an headed it into the area. It looked like it was destined to be a goal, but Boniface got to the ball and poked it home to make it 1-0.

However, Bayer Leverkusen’s lead did not last, as Enzo Millot pulled one back for Stuttgart in the 15th minute. Die Werkself’s problems were further compounded after Martin Terrier got sent off in the 37th minute for a poor tackle.

To stem the tide, coach Xabi Alonso sacrificed Boniface for Jonathan Tah in the 40th minute. Still, they got punished in the second half, as Deniz Undav gave Stuttgart the lead.

It looked like Bayer Leverkusen were going to lose the game, but Patrik Shick turned up clutch, scoring the crucial equalizer in the 88th minute.

The game eventually dragged into penalties, and Bayer Leverkusen triumphed with a 4-3 scoreline.