Bayer Leverkusen secured a crucial 3-1 victory against VfL Bochum on Friday, narrowing the gap with league leaders Bayern Munich to a mere three points. This Bundesliga clash saw Leverkusen dominate possession and relentlessly pressure the Bochum goal, though their efforts initially yielded limited clear-cut opportunities. The home side’s persistence finally paid off midway through the first half when Aleix Garcia, positioned just outside the penalty area, received a pass from Exequiel Palacios and expertly curled the ball into the near corner, giving Leverkusen a 1-0 lead.
Bochum, despite their precarious position in the league standings, demonstrated their recent resurgence by swiftly equalizing. Just six minutes after Garcia’s opener, a defensive lapse by Granit Xhaka presented Felix Passlack with an opportunity, which he seized with a spectacular volley, leveling the score at 1-1. This goal underscored Bochum’s recent form, which included victories against formidable opponents such as Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. The first half ended with the scores tied, setting the stage for a tense second half.
As the second half progressed, Leverkusen’s mounting pressure finally cracked Bochum’s defense. Fifteen minutes into the second period, Garcia delivered a precise curling cross from the right flank, finding Piero Hincapie positioned at the far post. Hincapie, in turn, provided a perfect cross-ball to Victor Boniface, who made no mistake in tapping the ball home from close range, restoring Leverkusen’s lead at 2-1. This marked Boniface’s first start since early February, highlighting his significance to the team’s attacking prowess.
Leverkusen’s pursuit of a decisive third goal continued, with Boniface finding the net again in the 80th minute, only for the goal to be disallowed due to a marginal offside call. However, their determination eventually paid off in the 87th minute. Boniface, instrumental in the build-up, won the ball in midfield and passed it to Palacios, who then set up Amine Adli for a sliding finish, sealing Leverkusen’s 3-1 victory. Adli, who had replaced Patrik Schick, made an immediate impact, securing the win and increasing the pressure on Bayern Munich.
The victory for Leverkusen sets the stage for a compelling title race. Bayern Munich, playing against St. Pauli on Saturday, have the opportunity to restore their six-point lead at the top of the table. However, they face this challenge with a weakened defense, as both Alphonso Davies and Dayot Upamecano sustained long-term injuries during the international break. Leverkusen’s coach, Xabi Alonso, had emphasized his team’s commitment to fighting until the very end and applying maximum pressure on Bayern. This victory embodies their determination to challenge for the title.
Leverkusen’s tactical approach in this match reflected their desire for attacking potency. With their creative playmaker Florian Wirtz still sidelined due to injury, Alonso opted to start both Boniface and Patrik Schick in the attack for the first time this season. Despite this dual attacking threat, it was Garcia who broke the deadlock. This victory underscores Leverkusen’s resilience and determination, as well as their tactical flexibility, making them a serious contender in the Bundesliga title race. The pressure now shifts back to Bayern Munich, who must navigate their upcoming fixture with a depleted defense while facing the pressure of maintaining their lead. The Bundesliga title race is intensifying, promising an exciting conclusion to the season.
