Bayer Leverkusen secured a vital 3-1 victory against Bochum, closing the gap to league leaders Bayern Munich to just three points. Victor Boniface and Amine Adli scored in the second half after Aleix Garcia's initial goal for Leverkusen was equalized by Felix Passlack for Bochum. Coach Xabi Alonso's decision to start with two strikers proved effective, highlighting Leverkusen's attacking strengths. The win puts them in a competitive position as the season nears its end, with seven matches remaining to play.
Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso opted to start with two strikers - Boniface and Patrik Schick - and it paid off as they made a bright start. However, Bochum bounced back just six minutes later, with Felix Passlack firing in on the rebound after Lukas Hradecky had initially done well to keep out Giorgos Masouras' effort. Leverkusen pushed to restore their lead after the break but had to wait until the 60th minute to go back in front. Boniface was left unmarked at the far post and pushed the ball over the line with his knee for his eighth league goal of the season.
Adli eventually made sure of the three points with a fine finish from an Exequiel Palacios assist, his second of the game, before Granit Xhaka rattled both posts with a stoppage-time shot to cap an entertaining match for the home fans. The victory lifts the reigning champions to 59 points in second place with seven games left to play. Bayern, with 62 points, are in action on Saturday at home to St Pauli.
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