Boniface's audacious proposal marks the peak of Bayer's astonishing business resurgence
Following an impressive performance on the UEFA Champions League stage, Florian Wirtz found himself amazed, momentarily doubting his imminent substitution at the 72-minute mark. The Bayer Leverkusen prodigy, who had just become the first German to score a brace in his inaugural Champions League game, left the "De Kuip" stadium in silence, having outperformed Feyenoord Rotterdam with a score of 0-4.
At 21 years old, Wirtz exhibited pure bliss while playing his first-ever Champions League match, announcing his prowess with two unforgettable goals, ultimately solidifying Bayer Leverkusen as the double champion winners. Alejandro Grimaldo (30) and an unintentional own-goal by former Schalke goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther (45) contributed to the team's record-breaking victory against Feyenoord Rotterdam, last achieved in a Champions League game against Shakhtar Donetsk in October 2013.
Bayer Leverkusen dominated the game, emphasizing their dominance particularly during the first half before their next rival, AC Milan, on October 1st.
A historic moment for Wirtz
Most notably, the night belonged to Wirtz, who was forced to sit out Bayer's 2022/23 Champions League season due to a cruciate ligament injury. On this special occasion, the national star finally got the chance to shine, scoring crucial goals and living up to his promise of showcasing his capabilities in the prestigious Champions League.
Wirtz needed only four minutes to find the back of the net after a loose ball from the opponents. He swiftly redirected the ball into the net, leaving the Dutch team in disarray as they sought retaliation. However, Ramiz Zerrouki was flagged offside just moments before equalizing.
As the game continued, Leverkusen began to dominate, with coach Xabi Alonso, a former heavyweight of the royal class with Liverpool and Real Madrid, observing his team's strong-handed performance. Bayer's goalkeeper, Lukas Hradecky, successfully thwarted the Dutch team's attempts at scoring, while remaining vigilant and alert in the face of danger.
Wellenreuther's unfortunate own-goal
The Werkself quickly responded with a sharp attack, masterfully orchestrated by Victor Boniface. He gracefully circumvented two opponents, setting up Frimpong with an ingenious pass, leaving Grimaldo to score the opening goal. Wirtz later capitalized on a cross by converting the outside netting with his direct shot. The third goal was unfortunate for Wellenreuther, who inadvertently headed a header from Tapsoba into his own net.
In the second half, Wirtz launched a dangerous long-shot (51), but Leverkusen opted for a calm finish with the substitution of Matej Kovar for Lukas Hradecky. After successfully parrying Quentin Timber's shot (55), Boniface made a valiant attempt at scoring from midfield.
At approximately 70 minutes, Alonso removed Wirtz from the pitch, and Leverkusen narrowly avoided several potentially game-changing scenarios, culminating in a disallowed goal due to offside positioning (73) with Ayase Ueda imminently poised to score.
Wirtz's impressive performance in the Champions League continued to make headlines, as Bayer Leverkusen prepared to face AC Milan in their next match. Despite missing the 2022/23 Champions League season due to an injury, Wirtz proved his worth in the prestigious competition, scoring crucial goals and establishing himself as a formidable player.
Following his memorable brace against Feyenoord Rotterdam, Wirtz aimed to replicate his success in the Champions League, eager to secure his place as one of the competition's Champions League Champions League champions.
