Bayer Leverkusen made it back-to-back victories in their UEFA Champions League (UCL) campaign with a well-earned win over AC Milan at the BayArena. The German side’s 1-0 triumph ended their five-match winless run at home against Italian opposition, propelling them to the top of Group F. This result further dampened Milan’s spirits, leaving the Rossoneri winless in their opening two UCL games.
Leverkusen Dominate Early, Milan Frustrate
Having been comprehensively beaten by Liverpool on matchday one, AC Milan came into the game determined not to suffer back-to-back defeats. They set up defensively to frustrate Leverkusen, and their plan worked for much of the first half. Despite Die Werkself’s dominance, they couldn’t find a way past Milan’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who was in inspired form.
Leverkusen looked threatening from the start, with both Victor Boniface and Piero Hincapié testing Maignan inside the opening five minutes. The hosts thought they had broken the deadlock midway through the first half when Boniface found the net, but the goal was ruled out due to Jeremie Frimpong being offside in the build-up.
Maignan Stands Firm as Leverkusen Push
Determined to make their superiority count, Bayer Leverkusen pressed hard for an opener. Wing-back Jeremie Frimpong was a constant threat, twice firing over the bar from close range after rebounded efforts. Amine Adli also came close to scoring, only to be thwarted by Maignan, who was undoubtedly Milan’s standout performer.
Despite Leverkusen’s relentless pressure, Milan kept the game level at halftime. The visitors had only registered one shot before the break. Still, they felt they should have been awarded a penalty after Tammy Abraham was brought down by Edmond Tapsoba inside the box. However, their appeals were waived, and the teams entered the interval locked at 0-0.
Boniface Finally Breaks Milan’s Resistance
The second half began much like the first, with Leverkusen dictating the game’s pace. Florian Wirtz forced another smart save from Maignan early in the second period. But Leverkusen’s persistence would soon be rewarded. A slick move involving Aleix García and Alejandro Grimaldo unlocked the Milan defense. While Maignan denied Frimpong’s initial effort, Victor Boniface was on hand to slot home the rebound from close range. The goal was no less than Leverkusen deserved for their dominance.
Milan Push for an Equaliser
Going behind sparked a response from Milan, who suddenly looked more dangerous in attack. Tijjani Reijnders nearly equalized for the Rossoneri, but Lukas Hradecky saved his goal-bound shot. Milan continued to press, with Youssouf Fofana twice going close, while substitute Álvaro Morata almost capitalized on a mistake by Hradecky, his block sending the ball narrowly over the bar.
Leverkusen Hold On for the Win
Leverkusen, known for their late-game heroics, was determined not to fall victim to Milan’s late push. Xabi Alonso’s men regained control and limited Milan’s opportunities, although they had the woodwork to thank for preserving their lead. Théo Hernandez’s shot took a wicked deflection off a Leverkusen defender, rattling the crossbar before Morata headed the rebound wide.
In the end, Milan’s late efforts were insufficient, and Leverkusen held on to secure a vital three points. The result leaves Milan with just one win from their last seven UCL away trips and puts them in a precarious position in this season’s competition. Meanwhile, Leverkusen’s perfect start continues, with Alonso’s side sitting pretty at the top of Group F.
What’s Next?
Bayer Leverkusen will now look to carry this momentum into their next UCL fixture, while AC Milan face an uphill battle to turn their fortunes around in the competition. For Kenyan football fans, this is shaping up to be an exciting UCL season, with plenty of drama still to unfold.
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Conclusion
Bayer Leverkusen’s hard-fought win over AC Milan was a masterclass in persistence and dominance. Milan’s resolute defending and Maignan’s heroics kept the game alive for the Rossoneri, but it wasn’t enough to stop a determined Leverkusen side. As the UCL group stage progresses, Leverkusen looks like a team to watch, while Milan must find a way to bounce back from consecutive defeats.For Kenyan fans, the UEFA Champions League continues to offer thrilling action, and with BangSports, you can be part of every matchday excitement!