Boniface shines as Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich play out draw

Victor Boniface was impressive for Bayer Leverkusen as they maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich. The result keeps them on top of the German Bundesliga standings, ahead of the champions on goal difference.

After emerging as Bundesliga’s Rookie of the Month and Player of the Month for August, Boniface came up against the league’s best side in only his fourth league appearance.

Bayern Munich wasted no time, attacking from the first blast of the whistle. Their efforts were rewarded after only seven minutes when Harry Kane scored his fourth goal of the season with a simple header after the ball ricocheted into his path at the far post.

Bayer Leverkusen were pushing for an equaliser and finally found one in the 24th minute as left wing-back Alejandro Grimaldo fired home an inch-perfect free-kick to restore parity with his first goal for the club.

Boniface thought he had given his side the lead nine minutes later as he swept home after latching onto a through ball from Jonas Hofmann. The assistant referee’s flag, however, cut short his celebration. The striker continued to be a thorn in the flesh of the Bayern Munich team, repeatedly beating Dayot Upamecano. He nearly scored a worldie from inside his own half at the start of the second half, only missing the target slightly.

Bayern Munich thought they had won the match in the 86th minute when teenage substitute Mathys Tel delivered a brilliant ball into the path of Leon Goretzka to slide home a late goal.

Two minutes later, Boniface missed a sitter on his weaker left side as he shot on the turn from inside the box.

Bayer Leverkusen were, however, handed a late opportunity to equalise when Hofmann was caught in the box by Alphonso Davies and the VAR confirmed it as a penalty. Substitute Exequiel Palacios stepped up and fired home the penalty in added time to level the scores.

Upamecano scored late in the game for Bayern Munich but was denied by the offside flag as the match ended level.