Rotation Backfires: Wolves shut down talented Boniface as Leverkusen pay for too many changes

Victor Boniface watches on vs Wolfsburg.

Rotation Backfires: Wolves shut down talented Boniface as Leverkusen pay for too many changes

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 17:29 - 08.02.2025

Victor Boniface and his Bayer Leverkusen dropped two points ahead of their title decider against Bayern Munich next week.

Bayer Leverkusen, with Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface, dropped two crucial points ahead of their anticipated title clash against Bayern Munich next week after a 0-0 draw with Wolfsburg on Saturday.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Xabi Alonso's decision to rotate his squad, benching key players like Florian Wirtz and Patrik Schick, proved costly in the away clash.

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Wolfsburg's starting lineup saw two changes: Marius Müller replaced the injured Kamil Grabara in goal, and Patrick Wimmer took Yannick Gerhardt's place.

Leverkusen, however, made eight changes from their midweek DFB Cup win against Cologne, with Edmond Tapsoba, Jeremie Frimpong, and the suspended Álex Grimaldo joining Schick and Wirtz on the bench.

Boniface was rewarded for scoring the winner against Koln but failed to make it count.

Wolfsburg thought they had an early lead when Konstantinos Koulierakis headed home, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

The first half lacked fluidity, with numerous fouls disrupting the play. A Leverkusen corner almost resulted in an own goal, but Mukiele's header went over the bar.

Nathan Tella was also handed a start in the game by Alonso.

Despite both teams having goal-scoring streaks, the first half ended scoreless.

Leverkusen improved in the second half, with Boniface having a shot blocked. However, neither team could break the deadlock in the end.

Boniface watches on in the game.

The draw, Leverkusen's seventh of the Bundesliga campaign, leaves them eight points behind leaders Bayern Munich. Wolfsburg, however, will be happy with a point that bolsters their push for a European finish.

Leverkusen, who have a good recent record against VfL Wolfsburg, extended their unbeaten against the Wolves in the Bundesliga to seven matches.

Regardless of the result, Bayer Leverkusen remain in second place in the Bundesliga standings. Wolfsburg is currently in 8th place in the league table.