Victor Boniface returns to the bench, Tella injured as Leverkusen suffer title blow

Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title defense suffered a blow on Saturday as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at home by Union Berlin, with Super Eagles stars Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella making headlines for contrasting reasons.

Boniface, back from a lacklustre start in last weekend’s narrow win at Heidenheim, returned to the bench as Xabi Alonso reshuffled his lineup. 

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The Spanish tactician brought in Exequiel Palacios, Patrik Schick, and Edmond Tapsoba, dropping Amine Adli, Robert Andrich, and Boniface. 

The Nigerian striker was summoned in the 75th minute, given just 15 minutes to spark a breakthrough, but couldn’t find the net.

The bigger concern for Leverkusen was Nathan Tella, who was forced off after a heavy collision with Union goalkeeper Frederik Ronnow while chasing a loose ball. 

The winger, unable to continue, was substituted, leaving Alonso’s side short of attacking options. Tella’s injury adds to Leverkusen’s growing woes as they struggle to recapture last season’s magic.

The match itself was a tale of little opportunities. Both sides managed just one shot on target in a cagey first half, with Ronnow comfortably holding Schick’s low effort and Lukáš Hrádecký denying Leopold Querfeld. 

Florian Wirtz, making his first appearance in five weeks after a knee injury, returned to action but could not turn the tide. 

Despite Leverkusen dominating possession in the second half, they lacked cutting edge, while Union carved out chances to steal all three points.

The draw leaves Leverkusen’s title hopes hanging by a thread, with their late pressure yielding only a point. 

For Boniface, it was a quiet return, while Tella’s injury could sideline another key player at a critical juncture. 

Alonso now faces an uphill battle to keep the Werkself’s dreams of retaining the Bundesliga crown alive.