Victor Boniface and Gift Orban were both on the scoresheet as Bayer Leverkusen claimed a 3-1 victory over Hoffenheim in Sunday’s Bundesliga encounter.
Boniface opened the scoring for the defending champions in the 15th minute, putting his recent transfer disappointment behind him after his proposed move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr collapsed during the January window.
Softfootball reports that Leverkusen quickly extended their advantage four minutes later when Jeremie Frimpong raced clear on the right before calmly finishing past the Hoffenheim goalkeeper.
Patrik Schick added a third for Xabi Alonso’s team shortly after the restart, producing a superb volley into the roof of the net to put the hosts firmly in control.
Leverkusen were reduced to 10 men in the 61st minute when Alex Grimaldo received his second yellow card and was sent off.
Hoffenheim took advantage almost immediately, with Nigerian striker Gift Orban pulling one back after bundling the ball home during a goalmouth scramble.
However, Leverkusen held on to secure another important three points. Nathan Tella started the match but was forced off in the 42nd minute.
The victory leaves Leverkusen second in the Bundesliga with 45 points, six behind leaders Bayern Munich.
