Bayer Leverkusen kept their Bundesliga title aspirations firmly on track with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over VfL Bochum at the BayArena on Friday evening. A second-half goal from Nigerian striker Victor Boniface was crucial in securing the win, which provisionally reduces the gap between Leverkusen and league leaders Bayern Munich to just three points.
The match began cautiously, but Leverkusen gradually asserted their dominance. In the 20th minute, Exequiel Palacios teed up Aleix Garcia, who curled a beautiful shot into the near post, giving the home side the lead. However, Bochum responded swiftly six minutes later. Granit Xhaka’s inadvertent header sent Georgios Masouras through on goal. While Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky made an initial save, Felix Passlack was on hand to score a spectacular looping volley on the rebound, leveling the score.
The second half saw a renewed intensity from Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen. Both Boniface and Patrik Schick threatened early on. Despite a brief scare on the counter from Bochum’s Matus Bero, Leverkusen regained the lead on the hour mark. Garcia’s free-kick found Piero Hincapie, who headed the ball across the goal for Boniface to tap in, sending the BayArena into cheers.
Leverkusen continued to push, with Jeremie Frimpong going close and a Boniface strike ruled out for offside. The crucial third goal finally arrived in the 87th minute. Palacios delivered a precise pass to substitute Amine Adli, who made a brilliant run and slotted the ball calmly under Bochum goalkeeper Timo Horn, sealing the 3-1 victory for Leverkusen.
This win marks back-to-back victories for Leverkusen following a recent dip in form, suggesting they are hitting their stride at a critical juncture in the season. They now sit just three points behind Bayern Munich, who play St. Pauli on Saturday, intensifying the Bundesliga title race with seven games remaining.
For Bochum, despite an improved performance, the defeat leaves them still battling to avoid relegation after a challenging season.
