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Victor Boniface inches closer to being 100% as he registers another substitute appearance, and Bayer Leverkusen keep their unbeaten run going to go 16 points clear of Bayern.
Bayer Leverkusen are now only one win away from their first-ever Bundesliga title, after capitalising on Bayern Munich’s slip-up against Heindenheim by beating Union Berlin 1-0.
Xabi Alonso's men remain unbeaten in the league and are shoo-in for the Bundesliga title, and now, their glory is mathematically in reach.
With 16 points clear of their nearest rivals Bayern Munich, Die Werkself now need only three more points to end the Bavarians' eleven-year stranglehold on the Meisterschale.
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20:08 - 04.04.2024
Boniface and Tella's Leverkusen teammates celebrate weed legalisation in Germany
The runaway Bundesliga leaders celebrated their passage to the final of the DFB Pokal in style
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16:50 - 02.04.2024
Boniface is ready — Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso confirms Super Eagles striker is fit to play
Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Nigeria striker Victor Boniface is ready to return to action.
How it happened
Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen squad, fresh from their recent progress to the DFB-Pokal final, underwent some changes as they aimed to edge closer to the Bundesliga title.
Despite the shuffle, key figures remained in the lineup, with flying wing-back Alejandro Grimaldo leading the charge for Die Werkself. Grimaldo's early free-kick threatened Union's goal, requiring a sharp save from Frederik Rønnow to keep the scores level, setting the tone for a tense encounter.
Rønnow's heroics continued, denying Borja Iglesias' header and thwarting Leverkusen's attempts to break the deadlock.
As the first half wore on, both sides pressed for an opening goal, with Grimaldo and Robert Andrich testing Rønnow from range. However, the game took a dramatic turn in its dying moments, as Leverkusen's Robin Gosens received his marching orders for a foul on Nathan Tella, leading to a penalty for the hosts.
Florian Wirtz calmly converted from the spot, handing Leverkusen a crucial lead just before halftime and setting the stage for a tense second half.
Leverkusen's Second-Half Siege
Armed with a numerical advantage, Leverkusen dominated proceedings in the second half, pinning Union Berlin back in their defensive third.
Despite their dominance, clear-cut opportunities were hard to come by as Union's defense held firm, frustrating the hosts' attempts to extend their lead.
Rønnow continued to stand tall between the sticks, denying a low effort from the impressive Tella and keeping Union's hopes alive despite the relentless pressure from Leverkusen.
Returning striker Victor Boniface was introduced, but he could not do much to break down the resolute Berlin wall. Leverkusen maintained their grip on the game, however, securing yet another victory and edging closer to a historic first-ever title.
Bracing for History
With Bayern Munich's unexpected defeat adding to the drama, Leverkusen now have a chance to seal the deal with a victory over Werder Bremen next Sunday, putting Alonso's men on the verge of greatness. As anticipation builds, Leverkusen stands poised to make history in the Bundesliga.
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