Bayer Leverkusen displayed both offensive flair and defensive resilience as they edged past AC Milan with a 1-0 victory in their Champions League fixture, maintaining a flawless record in the competition.
The match’s pivotal moment came early in the second half when Nigerian striker Victor Boniface capitalized on a rebound, slotting home to secure all three points for Xabi Alonso’s side.
Leverkusen, runners-up in last season’s Europa League, have carried their momentum into this year’s elite European tournament, with two wins, five goals scored, and none conceded so far.
On the other hand, AC Milan’s struggles continued as they fell to their second defeat, following their 3-1 loss to Liverpool in the opening round.
Boniface thought he’d broken the deadlock in the 21st minute, only for VAR to rule the effort out due to an offside in the build-up.
However, Leverkusen dominated possession and chances, with Florian Wirtz orchestrating attacks and Boniface proving a constant threat to Milan’s backline.
AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan managed to keep the scores level heading into the break.
The breakthrough finally came six minutes into the second half when Maignan could only parry Jeremie Frimpong’s low drive, allowing Boniface to pounce and convert from close range.
AC Milan attempted to rally after the goal, with Youssouf Fofana testing Lukas Hradecky from distance and Theo Hernandez’s deflected shot rattling the crossbar late on.
Despite the pressure, Leverkusen held firm and nearly added a second when Nathan Tella’s left-footed strike grazed the post in injury time.
In another Champions League clash, Inter Milan asserted their dominance with a commanding 4-0 victory over Crvena zvezda at the San Siro.
Following a solid draw against Manchester City on matchday one, Inter built on their momentum with an inspired performance.
Hakan Calhanoglu’s stunning 30-yard free-kick, Inter’s first direct free-kick goal in 14 years, gave the hosts the lead. Despite their dominance, Inter had to wait until the second half to add to the scoreline.
Marko Arnautović doubled the lead after a defensive error from Rade Krunic, before Lautaro Martinez and Mehdi Taremi capped off a brilliant night for Inter.
Taremi, who was instrumental throughout, added a penalty to his tally, sealing a comprehensive win and leaving Crvena zvezda to lament their continued struggles against Italian opposition.
