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Bayer Leverkusen were forced to share the spoils at Brest with Super Eagles star Victor Boniface missing in action.
German champions Bayer Leverkusen was forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Stade Brestois in their Champions League clash on Wednesday, with Super Eagles star Victor Boniface absent from the match due to injuries sustained in a recent car accident.
The match, held at Stade du Roudourou, saw both teams find the net in the first half, but neither could secure a victory.
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Leverkusen opened the scoring with a well-timed goal from youngster Florian Wirtz, but Brest quickly equalised, leading to a tense and competitive encounter.
Without the sidelined Boniface, who was dropped from the encounter after failing to train with his teammates following an accident, the Bundesliga champions struggled to maintain their usual attacking rhythm.
Head coach Xabi Alonso confirmed that Boniface was not part of the traveling squad after suffering minor injuries in the accident.
“Following the accident, it's primarily about Victor Boniface as a person and not as a player,” Alonso stated. “It was a serious matter and a shock for the two of them and us all.”
The absence of Boniface was felt throughout the match as Leverkusen failed to capitalise on their chances. Despite showing moments of promise, they were unable to find the back of the net again after Brest equalised.
Brest's ability to hold firm against Leverkusen's attacks demonstrated their resilience and tactical discipline. The draw leaves both teams with shared points in their Champions League campaign, highlighting Leverkusen's need to adapt quickly without one of their star players.
As Boniface focuses on recovery, fans will be hoping for his swift return to action as Leverkusen aims to regain momentum in both domestic and European competitions.
In his absence, however, compatriot Nathan Tella featured for just over an hour, creating two chances and two key passes before he was taken off in the 63rd minute.
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The team’s next fixtures is a crucial one against Liverpool and they are expected to welcome back Boniface to the team as they look to build on their performance and push for advancement in the Champions League.
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