Europa League: Victor Boniface scores as Bayer Leverkusen hold Royale Union Gilloise

By Wale Mustapha

Nigerian striker, Victor Boniface scored a crucial away goal for Royale Union St. Gilloise as they were held to 1-1 by Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal first leg on Thursday in Germany.

The 24 year old striker replicated his previous feat for St Gilloise in the round of 16 against Union Berlin as he shoot his side in front just six minutes into restart.

The first half of the encounter did produced more talking points especially from Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen but ended goaless, no thanks to some misplaced steps in the final third and heroics by both keepers.

Meanwhile, Boniface’s goal which did not only gave Royale Union a big leap but also shoot him to top of scorers’ chart with six goals was the turning point needed by the hosts.

Leverkusen kept piling pressure on their visitors and were benefitted with series of half chances which were expected to be utilized but seems not be their night.

Just as the Unionistes were preparing for jubilating the famous win in their first ever appearance in the competition, Florian Wirtz broke their hearts with a late curler to see the first leg ended in 1-1 apiece.

Alonso’s men will be heading to Brussels with the hope of completing the job, while Union St Gilloise will be banking on how they triumph over Union Berlin with 6-3 aggregate in the previous round.