Victor Boniface came off the bench to help Bayer Leverkusen to a late 2-0 win over West Ham United in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals at BayArena on Thursday night.
The Pharmaceutical-backed outfit came from behind twice over two legs to defeat Qarabag in the Round of 16 and were going to face a stern test from the Hammers.
It turned out to be that way as the first half ended goalless and when it seemed there was no breakthrough, Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso brought on Boniface and Jonas Hofmann in the 76th minute.
Both turned out to be the masterstroke substitutions as Hofmann put Leverkusen in front in the 83rd minute with a powerful shot from a miscued Boniface attempt.
The Nigerian then doubled the lead in the added time with a powerful header off Hofmann’s cross.
HE SCORES GOALS. 🇳🇬😤🦅#B04WHU #Bayer04 #UEL #aCROSSeurope @boniface_jrn pic.twitter.com/qSvNdvmUOQ
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) April 11, 2024
The victory keeps Leverkusen unbeaten in all competitions ahead of next week’s return leg at the London Stadium.
Alonso’s men will now turn their attention to the Bundesliga this weekend where victory at home to Werder Bremen will land them their their first-ever league title.
