Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface was missing in action for Bayer Leverkusen, but compatriot Nathan Tella scored the opener for them in their hard-fought 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund at the Signal Iduna Park on Friday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Bayer Leverkusen returned to Bundesliga action with a game against league rivals Borussia Dortmund at the Signal Iduna Park. Recall that Nigerian striker Boniface was ruled out of the fixture earlier due to fitness issues. However, Tella got the nod to start up front, alongside Jeremie Frimpong and Patrik Schick.
Die Werkself had a dream start, as Tella put them in front after just 24 seconds. He capitalized on a defensive mistake from the Borussia Dortmund defence and struck a wicked shot past Gregor Kobel to make it 1-0.
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Nathan Tella finds the net in the first minute to give Bayer Leverkusen the lead against Dortmund. pic.twitter.com/qDQUzbPPL0
— Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) January 10, 2025
Before the Red and Yellows could regain their composure, Bayer Leverkusen struck again in the 8th minute. They went on a quick counter with Piero Hincapie running things from the left. Schick, who has been in fine form since the turn of the year, provided him with support in the center. The Ecuadorian defender just played a low cross to find Schick, who steered the ball into the roof of the net with a nice finish to make it 2-0.
But just four minutes later, Borussia Dortmund pulled one back after some beautiful team play aided by a mistake from Lukas Hradecky in Bayer Leverkusen's goal. Unfortunately for them, their joy did not last, as Schick got his second of the game to make it 3-1 after 19 minutes. Both teams had many chances to add more to the scoreline before the break, but they failed to take their opportunities.
The second half was as lively as the first, but it did not produce as many goals as the first. Tella was taken out of the game in the 74th minute, but it was a good showing from him. Aside from his goal, the Super Eagles star registered two dribbles, 32 touches, one key pass, and one tackle.
Serhou Guirassy scored for Borussia Dortmund from the penalty spot in the 79th minute to make it 3-2. That made it a nervy finish for both sides, but Die Werkself managed to escape from the Signal Iduna with the 3-2 win. The win was Bayer Leverkusen's first at Dortmund in three visits. For Tella, it was his first Bundesliga goal of the season, and he will be looking to add more to his tally.
Starting 2025 with a W!
90+5′ | 2-3 | #BVBB04 pic.twitter.com/fGfVh4yEMT
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) January 10, 2025
