AC Milan’s Champions League campaign hit another setback as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Bayer Leverkusen at the BayArena. Despite a spirited second-half performance, the Rossoneri were unable to overcome Victor Boniface’s tap-in goal early in the second half.
The match began with Leverkusen applying early pressure, forcing Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan into two crucial saves within the opening minutes. Boniface thought he had given the hosts the lead in the 21st minute, but his goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.
Milan struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half, with their best opportunity coming from a potential penalty claim when Tammy Abraham tangled with Jeremie Frimpong in the box.
The deadlock was finally broken in the second half when Boniface pounced on a rebound after Maignan had initially saved Frimpong’s effort. This goal seemed to spark Milan into life, as they began to push forward in search of an equalizer.
The Rossoneri came agonizingly close to leveling the score on multiple occasions. Tijjani Reijnders saw his shot parried by Lukas Hradecky, while subsequent attempts from Emerson Royal and Rafael Leao were blocked. The most gilt-edged opportunity fell to Alvaro Morata in the 82nd minute when Theo Hernandez’s strike hit the crossbar, but the Spanish striker somehow headed wide from close range.
Despite their late surge, Milan were unable to find the back of the net, leaving them pointless after two Champions League matches. The result puts additional pressure on Stefano Pioli’s side as they look to navigate a challenging group stage.
Bayer Leverkusen, under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, continue their impressive form in both domestic and European competitions. This victory, coupled with their opening day win against Feyenoord, puts them in a strong position in the group.
Milan will need to regroup quickly as they return to Serie A action, where they’ve enjoyed better fortunes with three consecutive wins, including a triumph in the Milan Derby. However, their Champions League campaign now requires a significant turnaround if they hope to progress to the knockout stages.
Goals: Boniface 51 (B)
Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-2-1): Hradecky; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapié; Frimpong, Xhaka, Garcia (75′ Andrich), Grimaldo (89′ Belocian); Adli (82′ Palacios), Wirtz (89′ Tella); Boniface (75′ Terrier). All. Xabi Alonso.
Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Emerson Royal, Tomori, Gabbia, Theo Hernandez; Fofana, Reijnders; Pulisic (79′ Chukwueze), Loftus-Cheek, Leao; Abraham (62′ Morata). All. Fonseca.
