Leverkusen Drop Points as Werder Bremen Secure Late Draw Despite Boniface's Goal on Return
Bayer Leverkusen were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against Werder Bremen on Saturday after conceding a last-minute equalizer, squandering the lead twice despite a determined comeback from their striker Victor Boniface, who found the net just days after being involved in a car accident. Boniface, who returned to action with a bandaged hand, made a successful comeback by scoring the opening goal in the 30th minute, only to see Werder Bremen fight back each time to deny Leverkusen a crucial win.
Boniface’s goal was a well-executed finish following a precise cutback from Jeremie Frimpong. Showing resilience and commitment, Boniface’s presence on the field was a remarkable turnaround from earlier in the week. The striker had suffered minor injuries to his hand and foot as a passenger in a car accident on Sunday, which sidelined him from Leverkusen’s Champions League match against Brest midweek. His return added energy to Leverkusen’s frontline, and his early goal showcased his sharp form this season, marking his sixth league goal.
Leverkusen, aiming to secure three points and move up in the Bundesliga standings, held onto their lead until the 74th minute when Werder Bremen’s Marvin Duksch headed in a powerful equalizer, igniting hopes for the home crowd. Leverkusen quickly responded, though, regaining their advantage three minutes later through an own goal by Werder’s Felix Agu, who, under pressure, inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net.
Just as Leverkusen seemed on the verge of victory, Werder’s Romano Schmid struck in the 90th minute, equalizing and securing a well-fought draw for the home team. Schmid’s late goal underscored Werder Bremen’s resilience, leaving Leverkusen frustrated with two dropped points in a match they had led twice.
The draw left Leverkusen in third place on the Bundesliga table with 15 points, trailing second-placed Bayern Munich, who were scheduled to play VfL Bochum the following day. RB Leipzig’s win over Freiburg saw them move to the top of the standings with 20 points, adding pressure to Leverkusen as they aim to keep pace with the leaders. While Boniface’s return and performance were highlights, Leverkusen's inability to secure the win emphasized defensive vulnerabilities that they will need to address to compete for the top spots in the league.
The match also demonstrated the competitive nature of the Bundesliga, with Leverkusen, Bayern, and Leipzig all battling closely at the top, showcasing both the intensity of the title race and the challenge of holding a lead against determined opponents.
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