Boniface nets winner as Leverkusen edge out Frankfurt

Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 Eintracht Frankfurt
Goals: 0-1 Marmoush 16' (pen.), 1-1 Andrich 26' (assist: Terrier), 2-1 Boniface 77'

The match was marked by early penalty drama, with Boniface missing from the spot before Omar Marmoush converted for Frankfurt. Robert Andrich equalised for the hosts before halftime, setting the stage for Boniface's redemption courtesy of a 72nd-minute winner. The result keeps moves Leverkusen ahead of the visitors, who suffered only their second defeat of the season. The game showcased both teams' attacking prowess, with Leverkusen's dominance reflected in their superior xG of 4.29 compared to Frankfurt's 1.21.

Watch: Alonso full of praise for his side after Frankfurt win

The match exploded into life early on with a flurry of penalty decisions. In the ninth minute, Leverkusen were awarded a spot-kick, but Boniface saw his effort saved by the in-form Kevin Christian Trapp. The Frankfurt goalkeeper's heroics proved crucial as just seven minutes later, the visitors were awarded a penalty of their own. Marmoush stepped up and made no mistake, firing past Lukáš Hrádecký to give Frankfurt the lead. The goal continued Marmoush's impressive scoring streak, netting in his sixth consecutive Bundesliga match.

Leverkusen, stung by the early setback, began to assert their dominance. Their persistence paid off in the 25th minute when Andrich levelled the score with a well-worked team goal. The midfielder started and finished the move, combining brilliantly with his teammates before slotting home. The equaliser was a just reward for Leverkusen's increasing control of the game. As the first half drew to a close, Frankfurt thought they had regained the lead through Hugo Ekitiké, but his effort was ruled out for offside, ensuring the teams went into the break level.

The second half saw Leverkusen ramp up the pressure, creating numerous chances as they sought to complete the turnaround. Granit Xhaka orchestrated play from midfield, while Jeremie Frimpong provided a constant threat down the right flank. Frankfurt, however, remained dangerous on the counter-attack, with Marmoush always looking to add to his tally. The breakthrough finally came in the 72nd minute when Boniface redeemed himself for his earlier penalty miss. The Nigerian striker rose highest to head home a substitute Florian Wirtz's deflected cross, sending the BayArena into raptures.

Watch: Boniface on why victory over Frankfurt is so important

While several players put in noteworthy performances, Andrich stood out as the game's most influential figure. The midfielder's equalizing goal was crucial in turning the tide of the match, but his overall contribution went far beyond that single moment. Andrich covered the most ground of any player (12 km), showcasing his exceptional work rate. His ability to break up Frankfurt's attacks and initiate Leverkusen's forward moves was instrumental in the home side's dominance, particularly in the second half. The midfielder's performance epitomized Leverkusen's fighting spirit and tactical acumen, making him a worthy Player of the Match.

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Leverkusen 4.29 - Frankfurt 1.21
Fastest player: Jeremie Frimpong (B04), 34.5 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-1 by Robert Andrich (B04), 19.72 percent
Most pressed player: Omar Marmoush (SGE), 28 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Granit Xhaka (B04), +4.6

Fantasy Heroes: Robert Andrich (Bayer Leverkusen, 269 Points), Granit Xhaka (Bayer Leverkusen, 265 Points), Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, 247 Points)