“We needed him back”- Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso talks up Victor Boniface’s comeback in German Cup semi-final win

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has shared his elation at Victor Boniface’s return in their 4-0 win over Fortuna Duesseldorf in the semi-final of the German Cup on Wednesday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Bayer Leverkusen continued with their superb form this season when they thrashed Bundesliga 2 side Fortuna Dusseldorf 4-0 at BayArena on Wednesday.

Jeremie Frimpong, Amine Adli, and Florian Wirtz scored gave Die Werkself a healthy lead in the first half before Wirtz added the icing on the cake in the second half. The win sealed their status as German Cup finalists for the first time in four years, meaning that they will take on Kaiserslautern at the Olympia Stadion in Berlin on May 25.

Aside from the win against Fortuna Duesseldorf, another reason for the Bayer Leverkusen faithful to cheer was Boniface’s return after missing the last three months because of an injury.

Alonso also was quite pleased at having his star striker back in action. After the game, the Spanish tactician revealed that Boniface worked hard to return to full fitness and would be needed as the season reaches home-stretch.

“It was special for him (to return) after three months out. He worked hard to get back on the pitch. He wanted to enjoy it with the players. We needed him back,” Alonso said.

Boniface registered 16 goals and seven assists in 24 appearances for Die Werkself in the first half of the season, and that remains the best record among the strikers at the club even though he has missed three months of action. However, he would have to work hard to return to the starting eleven.

Bayer Leverkusen only need to win three of their seven Bundesliga games to emerge champions. They also have the UEFA Europa League, where they face West Ham in the quarter-finals. If Boniface can showcase the same quality he showed at the start of the season, he would easily return to the starting eleven.