Nigerian striker Victor Boniface cemented his name in the record books once again on Sunday afternoon, etching his name on the scoresheet in Bayer Leverkusen's emphatic 5-1 demolition of Eintracht Frankfurt at the Deutsche Bank Park.
Their record-equalling unbeaten streak emphasises the phenomenal levels Alonso has got his side operating at as they dream of an era-defining campaign.
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Bayer Leverkusen match report
Under the astute leadership of Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen dismantled their opponents with a ruthless display, leaving the Eagles trailing by a staggering four goals.
The 23-year-old rounded off the scoring in style, converting a penalty in the 89th minute to add another chapter to his remarkable debut season in the German top-flight.
While Boniface's compatriot Nathan Tella started the game at right wing-back, impressing for 72 minutes, Boniface entered the fray as a 61st-minute substitute for Patrik Schick, adding another dimension to Leverkusen's attack. This latest goal marked Boniface's 12th in the Bundesliga, solidifying his position as a key contributor in Leverkusen's phenomenal campaign.
Tella also played a pivotal role, drawing the penalty that Exequiel Palacios converted to extend Leverkusen's lead to 3-0, further demonstrating the growing influence of Nigerian talent within the Bundesliga.
This dominant victory extended Leverkusen's remarkable unbeaten streak to a staggering 48 games across all competitions, drawing them level with Benfica's long-standing European record set 59 years ago. Xabi Alonso's men have been in a state of grace, showcasing their attacking prowess with Granit Xhaka, Patrik Schick, Jeremie Frimpong, and Palacios all finding the net before Boniface's final flourish from the spot.
Despite securing the Bundesliga title ahead of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, Leverkusen showed no signs of complacency, their relentless pursuit of goals leaving Frankfurt with no answer. While the hosts managed a consolation goal through Hugo Ekitike, who had briefly reignited hope after canceling out Xhaka's opener, Leverkusen's juggernaut proved unstoppable, mercilessly dismantling their opponents.
Boniface will undoubtedly be elated to have found the net once again, having endured a brief goal drought in recent games. His impact as a substitute further highlights his value to the team, providing a potent attacking threat off the bench as Leverkusen chase silverware on multiple fronts.
With deadly marksmen like Boniface leading the line and talents like Tella providing quality service, this Leverkusen machine appears unstoppable. Their record-equalling unbeaten streak emphasizes the phenomenal levels Alonso has instilled in his players, as they dream of etching their names in the history books with an era-defining campaign.
Fairytale start for Victor Boniface
Victor Boniface's journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. Signed by Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen on July 22nd, 2023, on a contract running until 2028, the young striker was entrusted with the iconic number 22 shirt.
His exceptional first season with Leverkusen saw him crowned the Bundesliga Rookie of the Month for an unprecedented four consecutive months, from August to November 2023.
This prestigious award recognizes the outstanding talents and potential of young footballers in the Bundesliga, and Boniface became the first player to achieve such a feat since its inception in the 2016/17 season.
Furthermore, Boniface's brilliance was further recognized with his inclusion in the Bundesliga Team of the Season for the 2023/24 campaign, as chosen by the league's governing body.
His role in Leverkusen's historic title win, achieved with five matches to spare, solidified his place among the league's elite.
With a potent blend of talent and determination, this young Nigerian striker is etching his name in the Bundesliga history books, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in his remarkable journey.
