The 2024/2025 UEFA Champions League season marked Bayer Leverkusen’s 14th appearance in the competition, and they started off in spectacular fashion with a 4-0 win against Dutch side Feyenoord. Under the guidance of head coach Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation. Lukas Hradecky took his place in goal, Jonathan Tah anchored the defense, and Nigerian international Victor Boniface led the attack. It was Brian Priske’s first time managing Feyenoord in the Champions League, having taken over from Arne Slot this summer. He deployed a 4-3-3 setup, with Timon Wellenreuther between the posts, Algerian international Ramiz Zerrouki in midfield, and Santiago Giménez leading the forward line. Leverkusen quickly took control, scoring all four goals in the first half. Five minutes into the match, Florian Wirtz, making his Champions League debut, netted the opener with an assist from Robert Andrich. Alex Grimaldo added a second goal in the 20th minute, and Wirtz scored again in the 36th minute to make it 3-0. Just before halftime, Feyenoord’s goalkeeper Wellenreuther accidentally put the ball into his own net, leaving Feyenoord trailing 4-0 at the break. The second half saw fewer chances, with both teams unable to find the back of the net. Feyenoord thought they had an opportunity to pull one back in the 67th minute after a penalty check, but VAR ruled that Quinten Timber was offside in the buildup. Ayase Ueda also had a goal disallowed for offside in the 71st minute. Bayer Leverkusen came close to scoring a fifth in stoppage time, but Patrik Schick’s effort was cleared off the line. Nevertheless, the 4-0 victory was a memorable one for Xabi Alonso, marking his first Champions League win as a manager. Nigerian international Victor Boniface was a standout performer, playing a key role in Leverkusen’s attack. The 23-year-old was emotional after the match and posted on his X account: “From paying 30 naira to watch Champions League football for night back then at 323 Army Barracks, Akure, to playing my first Champions League game. Proud of this moment.” He said
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