Nigeria international forward Victor Boniface netted a late equaliser to help his side avoid defeat at the hands of Borussia Dortmund at the BayArena on Sunday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Bayer Leverkusen, who came into the match with a 14-match winning streak, needed a late goal from the forward to rescue a 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund at home. Regardless, they were able to extend their lead at the top of the Bundesliga log to three points after Bayern Munich’s game against Union Berlin was cancelled due to harsh weather.
Dortmund have come from behind to secure victories twice over the last eight days, but they assumed the unfamiliar position of frontrunners inside five minutes. After an excellent build-up play just outside the Leverkusen area, Niclas Füllkrug held off Edmond Tapsoba to play in Julian Ryerson, and the wing-back showed extreme composure to slot home the opener.
It was the first time Die Werkself will be conceding the first goal in a match since mid-September’s draw with Bayern Munich, and Xabi Alonso’s men did not panic before they started showing their class. Long-range efforts from Granit Xhaka were as close as the hosts came to a goal before first-half stoppage time. Florian Wirtz curled into the far corner for what he thought was the leveller. Unfortunately for the home crowd, the goal was ruled out for an offside against Boniface in the build-up, ensuring the visitors went into the break in front.
Upon resumption of play, Leverkusen kept enjoying the ball possession but persistently struggled to test Gregor Kobel in the Dortmund goal. Even when they did break through, Mats Hummels was on hand with a superb last-ditch block to deny Exequiel Palacios.
However, the host were not to be denied late on as recently returned Patrik Schick provided an assist within 60 seconds of being introduced. Odilon Kossounou burst forward from the back, finding Schick in behind who duly squared for strike partner Boniface to steer home the leveller.
Meanwhile, Boniface could have grabbed the winner but Kobel was able to handle his volley very well, while Schick headed over as frustration grew around the BayArena. In the end, no winners emerged as the two teams settled for a share of the spoils.
Leverkusen remain unbeaten in all competitions this season and will host Paderborn in the DFB Pokal in their next assignment on Wednesday.
Boniface, who snapped a barren run of four games last Thursday, has now scored 13 goals and made 6 assists in 19 games in all competitions for Leverkusen this season.
