Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan Review
Bayer Leverkusen broke a five-match winless streak at home against Italian teams by defeating AC Milan at the BayArena, marking their second consecutive win to start the UEFA Champions League season. Milan, who had suffered a heavy loss to Liverpool in their opening match, aimed to avoid another defeat by trying to frustrate Leverkusen.
The Werkself controlled the first half but failed to score, despite their efforts. Victor Boniface and Piero Hincapié both had shots saved by Milan’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan within the first five minutes, and Boniface had a goal disallowed midway through the half due to Jeremie Frimpong being offside in the buildup.
The hosts were eager to assert their dominance, but wing-back Frimpong missed two chances from rebounds, and Amine Adli’s attempt was saved by Maignan. Milan only managed one shot before halftime and felt wronged when Tammy Abraham was brought down by Edmond Tapsoba in the penalty area.
The second half began without any change in momentum, with Maignan making a crucial save against Florian Wirtz early on. However, Leverkusen soon broke the deadlock with a beautiful play. Aleix García delivered a precise through ball to Alejandro Grimaldo, who backheeled it to Frimpong. Although Maignan stopped Frimpong’s shot, Boniface was quick to score from the rebound, giving Die Werkself a well-deserved lead.
The goal changed the dynamics of the match, and only Lukas Hradecky’s outstretched arm stopped Tijjani Reijnders from equalizing for the visitors. Youssouf Fofana posed a threat for an equalizer shortly after, while substitute Álvaro Morata caused a scare at the BayArena when he blocked Hradecky’s clearance, sending the ball just over the bar.
Xabi Alonso seemed determined to avoid a last-minute setback as his team regained control. Nevertheless, the hosts were grateful to the crossbar for securing their win when Théo Hernandez’s shot hit the bar and Morata missed the follow-up header. That was the closest Milan came to scoring, leaving them with only one win in their last seven UCL away matches and starting their champions league season with two consecutive losses.
