Boniface on target as Leverkusen wins first Bundesliga title in 40 years

Bayer Leverkusen’s Nigerian forward #22 Victor Boniface celebrates scoring the opening goal from the penaty spot during the German first division Bundesliga football match Bayer 04 Leverkusen v Werder Bremen in Leverkusen, western Germany, on April 14, 2024. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER / AFP)

Super Eagles player, Victor Boniface, was one of the heroes yesterday at the BayArena, where Bayer Leverkusen defeated Werder Bremen 5-0 to win their first Bundesliga title in 40 years.

Thousands of fans were on hand to see Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title-clinching win to crown an outstanding season.

Leverkusen is unbeaten in a German record 42 games across all competitions this season and needed just one win from their last six Bundesliga games to be sure of winning the title for the first time.

They grabbed the first opportunity against visiting Werder Bremen with Boniface opening the goals race from the spot in the 25th minute.

Former Arsenal captain, Granit Xhaka, scored a sumptuous second from long range in the 60th minute, before sub, Florian Wiltz, cemented the victory eight minutes later and in the 90th minute.

Despite having the title at stake, coach Xabi Alonso showed signs he was managing players’ fitness ahead of next week’s Europa League quarterfinal second leg against West Ham.

Attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, left back Alejandro Grimaldo and right back Jeremie Frimpong were all named on the bench.

Wirtz added the gloss to the win in the 83rd minute and completed his hat-trick in the 90th minute to set the jumping stadium on the trot.

The win put Leverkusen 16 points clear of Bayern Munich with five matches left to play in the 2023-24 campaign, enough to ensure they cannot be overtaken by Thomas Tuchel’s faltering team.

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