Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface and Bayer Leverkusen were forced to settle for a goalless draw against Wolfsburg on Saturday, dropping two crucial points ahead of next week’s highly anticipated title decider against Bayern Munich, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Manager Xabi Alonso opted for squad rotation, benching key players such as Florian Wirtz and Patrik Schick, while handing Boniface a starting role. However, the changes failed to yield the desired outcome at the Volkswagen Arena.
Boniface Struggles to Break Through
Boniface, who was rewarded with a start after scoring the winner in Leverkusen’s DFB Pokal quarter-final victory over FC Köln, saw one of his second-half attempts blocked but was unable to extend his recent goal-scoring form.
Wolfsburg nearly took an early lead through Konstantinos Koulierakis’ header, but the goal was ruled out for offside. The first half lacked fluidity, with multiple fouls disrupting the rhythm of play.
The draw, Leverkusen’s seventh of the Bundesliga campaign, leaves them eight points behind leaders Bayern Munich, whom they face next week in a crucial showdown that could define the title race.
Alonso’s Tactical Adjustments and Boniface-Schick Pairing Possibility
Alonso made eight changes from the midweek cup win, with Edmond Tapsoba, Jeremie Frimpong, and the suspended Alex Grimaldo joining Schick and Wirtz on the bench.
Speaking on a possible strike partnership between Boniface and Schick, Alonso hinted at future tactical flexibility:
“That’s a possibility in the future. The important thing for me is that we have good players. Then we can decide whether we play with one, two, or three forwards.”
Since returning from a thigh injury that sidelined him for 14 games, Boniface has scored twice in three matches, while Schick has netted three goals in the same period, including a brace in the DFB Pokal win over Köln.
Leverkusen’s Unbeaten Streak Against Wolfsburg Continues
Despite the dropped points, Leverkusen extended their unbeaten run against Wolfsburg to seven Bundesliga matches. Meanwhile, Wolfsburg will take confidence from the result as they continue their push for European qualification.
With the title race intensifying, all eyes will be on next weekend’s showdown against Bayern Munich, where Alonso’s men will look to make a decisive statement.