Boniface in squad for UCL showdown with Atletico Madrid

Ifeanyi Njoku
2 Min Read
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Bundesliga - Bayer Leverkusen v VfL Bochum - BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany - December 20, 2023 Bayer Leverkusen's Victor Boniface celebrates scoring their fourth goal REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen/File Photo

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Nigerian striker Victor Boniface is fit and has been included in the matchday squad for their Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium on Tuesday.

Boniface has been sidelined since November after sustaining a hamstring injury while on international duty with Nigeria during the final round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Following active participation in today’s training session, a decision was made to include him in the traveling squad to face Diego Simeone’s side. Boniface encountered some setbacks during his recovery, including fitness concerns, resulting in his absence from 11 matches across all competitions.

Boniface in squad for UCL showdown with Atletico Madrid
Boniface (left) and Alonso in training

Alonso confirmed Boniface’s inclusion in the matchday squad during the pre-match press conference, although his availability for playing time remains uncertain.

“We trained again this morning, and then we decided that Victor Boniface can go with the team on the UCL trip to Madrid. He is getting better and better and he will be in the squad tomorrow,” the former Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich player said

“This is very positive news for all of us and of course for him. Boni is feeling good and it’s great that he is back with us.”

BBoniface has scored eight goals in 15 appearances this season for The Black and Reds. He will have to fight to get back his starting spot from Czech international Patrik Schick, who has been in superb form in the absence of the Nigerian. Schick has become Leverkusen’s top scorer with 16 goals in 23 games across all competitions for Alonso’s side. 

Leverkusen, who are currently in the automatic qualification spot for the round of 16 phase, will be looking to consolidate their position with a win while Atletico, on the other hand, will be seeking a win to get into the automatic round of 16 qualifying spot.

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