Boniface delivers parity between Dortmund and Leverkusen

This weekend’s hotly anticipated Bundesliga clash between league leaders Leverkusen and Dortmund finished 1-1.

Dortmund made the dream start to proceedings inside 5 minutes when the unlikely figure of Julian Ryerson put them in front. Some intricate play from Sabitzer, Reus, and Füllkrug allowed the Norwegian to guide past Hradecky despite the challenge from Xhaka. The former Leverkusen midfielder came close with a long range strike in the 21st minute.

With Dortmund content to sit in and let Leverkusen boss possession, chances were few and far between until the half hour mark. Can’s foul on Wirtz allowed Grimaldo to test Kobel from the resulting freekick. On the stroke of injury time Frimpong and Wirtz appeared to combine for the leveling goal only for VAR to find Boniface in an offside position in the buildup.

Within minutes of the restart the second half took on a similar nature to the first. Alonso’s squad continued to in the ascendancy as Dortmund sad deep. However the first real chance of note would be expertly defended by Hummels in the 60th minute. The experienced veteran slid in to prevent Palacios pulling the trigger. Füllkrug’s 67th minute effort thrashed into the side netting made for one outlying BVB attack.

With the game still in the melting pot, Alonso thrusted Schick into the action which reaped instant reward. With space in the box, the Czech striker squared for Boniface who tapped in for 1-1. As the full-time whistle neared Boniface hunted his brace and came close with a fine volley that Kobel did well to hold. Füllkrug’s final effort set up by Meunier sailed wide and with that the result was settled.

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