Bayer Leverkusen returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over 1. FC Koln in Sunday’s Bundesliga Rhine derby, although Nigeria internationals Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella had contrasting roles in the match.
Tella was unavailable as he continues his recovery from a muscle injury, while Boniface was named among the substitutes and did not start for Leverkusen. The striker has made two appearances for the club this season but is still waiting to score his first Bundesliga goal.
Leverkusen made an ideal start and took the lead in the sixth minute. Aleix Garcia finished with a controlled strike after the visitors had established early control of the contest.
The away side continued to dictate proceedings and eventually extended their advantage six minutes from the end of normal time. Substitute Ibrahim Maza created the opening for Patrik Schick, who converted in the 84th minute to put Leverkusen 2-0 ahead.
Koln responded in stoppage time through two substitutes. Malek El Mala provided the assist for his brother Said El Mala, who reduced the deficit in the 90+2nd minute.
The late goal gave Koln hope of salvaging a result, but Leverkusen resisted the pressure during the closing moments to secure all three points.
The victory also ended a run of three successive defeats across all competitions for Leverkusen.