Super Eagles stars Nathan Tella and Victor Boniface were in action for Bayer Leverkusen, but they were unable to help as their side fell to a 3-2 defeat to RB Leipzig at Bay Arena, Soccernet.ng reports.
Bayer Leverkusen returned to action with a game against Leipzig at Bay Arena on Saturday. Die Werkself already started the season on a good note, coming from behind to defeat Bayer Monchengladbach last week.
However, Leipzig were going to be a far more difficult opposition at Bay Arena. Xabi Alonso gave Nigerian striker Boniface a place in the starting XI, while Nathan Tella started from the bench.
Bayer Leverkusen dominated the first half and were ultimately the better side. However, they had to wait until the 39th minute before they got the opener courtesy of Jeremie Frimpong.
Boniface was close to doubling the lead in the 43rd minute as he attempted an acrobatic kick inside the box, but it was not on target.
However, just two minutes later, Alejandro Grimaldo scored the second goal for Bayer Leverkusen to give them a comfortable lead. But RB Leipzig’s Kevin Kampl scored in stoppage time of the first half to keep his side in the game.
Unfortunately for Bayer Leverkusen, it all fell apart for them in the second half. Lois Openda scored in the 57th minute to make it 2-2.
Tella was introduced into the game to help stem the tide, but it did not work out for Bayer Leverkusen, as Leipzig added one more, courtesy of Openda in the 80th minute.
It ended 3-2 for Leipzig, and that effectively ended Bayer Leverkusen’s 35-game unbeaten run.
