Nathan Tella dumped out Bayern of German Cup

Bayern Munich were dumped out of the German Cup by holders Bayer Leverkusen as Nathan Tella’s second-half goal secured a 1-0 win for the Bundesliga champions on Tuesday, after Manuel Neuer saw the first red card of his 866-game career. The 38-year-old rushed out of the box in typical fashion 18 minutes in to the German Cup last-16 clash, taking out an advancing Jeremie Frimpong and seeing a straight red. Neuer’s sending-off brought Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz on for his Bayern debut, 18 months after joining the club. Bayern, who were already without the injured Harry Kane, dug deep despite the one-man disadvantage and dominated the ball. The visitors eventually broke through in the 69th minute, though, with Tella heading in an Alex Grimaldo cross. Tella had only been on the field for eight minutes having come on for injured striker Patrik Schick, who himself was subbed on at half-time. Home winger Michael Olise lashed inches wide in the fourth minute of stoppage time but Leverkusen held on to inflict a first domestic defeat on Vincent Kompany since he became Bayern coach. “We were too hectic and tried to go forward too quickly,” Leverkusen captain Jonathan Tah said. “At half-time, we said we need to be patient – and we did it. “The red card decided the game,” Neuer told reporters after the match. “It hurt us, and I’m sorry.” Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen, who won an unbeaten league and cup double last season, are through to the last eight. Bayern have won the German Cup a record 20 times – 14 more than the next best – but have not made it past the quarter-finals since 2020, when they defeated Leverkusen 4-2 in the final.

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Boniface suffers thigh injury

Bayer Leverkusen and Nigeria striker Victor Boniface is set to miss “a few games” after returning from international duty with a leg injury, coach Xabi Alonso said Friday. “He’s got a small injury in his thigh muscle, it’s a shame,” Alonso told reporters ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Heidenheim. Nigerian media reported Boniface could miss the remainder of 2024 but Alonso was optimistic the striker would be back soon. “He won’t be there tomorrow or against Salzburg (Champions League). “We hope he will play again this year. We have to wait and see, but it’s not going to be six or eight weeks.” Forward Patrik Schick, who has started just twice in the league this season, is expected to step up in the Nigerian’s absence. “He is always ready — we don’t just need him now, but always.” The defending champions, who did not lose a game in Germany last year on the way to an unbeaten league and cup double, have stuttered this season. Leverkusen are currently in fourth, nine points behind league leaders Bayern Munich. Alonso’s men have dropped 13 points so far this season, one more than the 12 they leaked in the entirety of the last campaign. Boniface is Leverkusen’s highest scorer in the league, with six goals and an assist in 10 games.

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UCL: Boniface misses Brest showdown

Bayer Leverkusen centre-forward Victor Boniface has been ruled out of Champions League clash against Ligue 1 team Stade Brestois 29.  The Nigeria international was involved in a car accident this weekend.  Speaking to the media at Guingamp’s Stade du Roudourou – where Brest are playing their Champions League home games – Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso provided some updates on Boniface. “We learned about his road accident on Sunday morning”, Xabi Alonso said in his press conference transcribed by L’Equipe.  “Fortunately, it wasn’t too serious. He has small cuts on his foot and hand. In a way, he was very lucky. But he hasn’t trained normally since and we’re going to give him a few days to recover from this emotional shock.”  The Spaniard understands that Boniface’s absence will be a matter of days and not weeks. Asked about Brest, who have on their two UCL games so far, against Sturm Graz and Red Bull Salzburg, Xabi Alonso expects a very demanding and intense game against Eric Roy’s Pirates.  “Brest have a very precise idea of ​​their game, it is a very competitive team. They have a lot of desire, but we are ready for that and we will play our football.”

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Boniface survives car crash in Germany

Super Eagles’ striker Victor Boniface has reportedly survived a ghastly car crash in Germany. The Bayer Leverkusen of Germany player posted a video of the damaged car on his Instagram Stories on Sunday. The unfortunate incident occurred after the striker, who has been in scintillating form since joining the German club in the summer of 2023, scored the winning goal for his team as the Bundesliga champions secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt at the BayArena on Saturday. The video showed one of Boniface’s hands dripping blood after the crash. In the video, the black car sustained significant damage to the right side, with the body severely affected.

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Super Eagles’ star Boniface hints at wedding 

Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface appeared ready to walk down the aisle with his heart rob.  Though Bayer 04 Leverkusen forward is still keeping the identity of the lucky lady under wraps but he has promised his fans top notch reception.  “On my wedding day people wey Dey post memes go get one canopy,” Boniface assured.  The Nigerian struck late as Bayer 04 Leverkusen twice come from behind to beat VfL Wolfsburg 4-3 in a Bundesliga classic on Sunday.  In the third minute of stoppage time, substitute Boniface produced a moment of magic. Receiving the ball with his back to goal, the Nigerian striker turned and fired a low shot into the bottom corner, sending the BayArena into raptures.  Leverkusen are second on the table and will face off with the league leaders Bayern Munich on Saturday in Munich. 

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Bundesliga: Boniface nets Leverkusen winner in seven-goal thriller

Nigeria’s Victor Boniface struck late as Bayer 04 Leverkusen twice come from behind to beat VfL Wolfsburg 4-3 in a Bundesliga classic.  In the third minute of stoppage time, substitute Boniface produced a moment of magic. Receiving the ball with his back to goal, the Nigerian striker turned and fired a low shot into the bottom corner, sending the BayArena into raptures.  It was a fitting end to an incredible match, showcasing Leverkusen’s never-say-die attitude and their ability to produce in crucial moments.  Leverkusen are second on the table and will face off with the league leaders Bayern Munich on Saturday in Munich. 

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Bundesliga: Boniface fires brace in Leverkusen win 

Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface netted a brace in Bayer Leverkusen’s 4-1 drubbing of Hoffenheim on Saturday.  The Nigerian forward returned to Bundesliga action after failing to score during the international break.  Before the break, the Boniface had reclaimed his starting shirt in the team, and he started for them against Hoffenheim alongside compatriot Nathan Tella. Die Werkself were the favourites to claim the win, and they enforced their authority early on. They created the better chances from the start, and it took them just 17 minutes to get the opener.  Boniface was the creator, as he sent a nice pass to Martin Terrier, who converted calmly to make it 1-0.

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