On October 1, 2024, Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan faced off in an intense 2024-25 UEFA Champions League clash at the BayArena. Both teams entered the match with contrasting form. Bayer Leverkusen was riding high after a dominant 4-0 victory over Feyenoord, while AC Milan was reeling from a 3-1 home defeat to Liverpool. With Bayer Leverkusen having a perfect start and AC Milan desperate for their first points, the stakes were high in this second-round match of the League Phase.
Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan Head-to-Head Record
This encounter marked the first-ever competitive meeting between Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan in UEFA competition. Leverkusen was determined to maintain their unbeaten start, while Milan sought redemption after a slow start to their campaign.
Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan Lineups
Here is the actual Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan lineups today (Oct 1, 2024)
Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-2-1)
- GK: Lukas Hradecky
- DEF: Piero Hincapié, Jonathan Tah, Edmond Tapsoba
- MID: Alejandro Grimaldo, Aleix García, Granit Xhaka, Jeremie Frimpong
- ATT: Florian Wirtz, Amine Adli, Victor Boniface
Substitutes: Robert Andrich, Martin Terrier, Jeanuël Belocian, Nathan Tella, Exequiel Palacios
AC Milan (4-2-3-1)
- GK: Mike Maignan
- DEF: Emerson Royal, Matteo Gabbia, Fikayo Tomori, Theo Hernández
- MID: Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Youssouf Fofana, Tijjani Reijnders, Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leão
- FWD: Tammy Abraham
Substitutes: Álvaro Morata, Samuel Chukwueze, Noah Okafor, Malick Thiaw, Yunus Musah
Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan First Half Summary
The first half saw Bayer Leverkusen assert their dominance, with the Bundesliga champions controlling the flow of the game. Leverkusen created the first real chance in the 3rd minute, but Victor Boniface’s effort was saved by Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Leverkusen continued to push forward, and Piero Hincapié’s header from a corner was also kept out by Maignan.
Despite Milan’s defensive efforts, Leverkusen looked more likely to score. Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz both tested Maignan, but the French shot-stopper was in top form, keeping the game goalless by halftime.
Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan Halftime Score: Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 AC Milan
Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan Second Half Summary
The breakthrough finally came in the 51st minute when Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong took a shot that was parried by Maignan. Victor Boniface reacted quickly to slot home the rebound, giving Bayer Leverkusen a deserved 1-0 lead. Boniface’s goal ignited the BayArena crowd and increased the pressure on Milan.
In response, Milan made tactical changes, introducing Álvaro Morata for Tammy Abraham in the 62nd minute. Morata nearly equalized in the 72nd minute, heading a Theo Hernández cross just wide of the goal. Milan threw everything forward in search of an equalizer, with Loftus-Cheek and Fofana both having late attempts saved by Lukas Hradecky.
Despite Milan’s late surge, Bayer Leverkusen held firm, securing their second consecutive Champions League win.
Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan Full-time Score: Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 AC Milan
Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan Stats
| Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan Stats | Bayer Leverkusen | AC Milan |
| Possession (%) | 50.3% | 49.7% |
| Shots on Target | 9 | 5 |
| Total Shots | 16 | 16 |
| Fouls | 15 | 4 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 3 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Corners | 5 | 4 |
| Saves | 5 | 8 |
Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan Timeline
- 1st Half:
- (3′) Boniface had the first shot on target, but Maignan was sharp.
- (41′) Adli’s powerful shot was again saved by Maignan.
- 2nd Half:
- (51′) Goal: Boniface scored after Maignan’s save on Frimpong’s initial shot.
- (72′) Morata headed wide from Hernández’s cross.
- (87′) Loftus-Cheek’s shot was saved by Hradecky in a tense final moment.
Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan Key Events and Player Achievements
- Victor Boniface was the hero of the night, scoring the only goal and cementing Bayer Leverkusen’s second consecutive victory.
- Lukas Hradecky made crucial saves late in the game to preserve the clean sheet.
- Mike Maignan was Milan’s standout performer, making 8 key saves to keep his side in the match.
Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan Man of the Match
Victor Boniface, with his match-winning goal, was deservedly awarded the Man of the Match. His relentless energy and clinical finishing secured all three points for Bayer Leverkusen.
Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan Match Impact on the Table
Bayer Leverkusen’s victory propelled them to the top of their group with six points from two matches, putting them in a strong position to advance. AC Milan, on the other hand, remain winless, having lost both of their opening games and now face an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout stages.
Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan Commentary
Bayer Leverkusen’s 1-0 victory over AC Milan in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League League Phase was a statement of intent. Leverkusen showed their quality and resilience, while AC Milan’s struggles in Europe continued. Boniface’s goal and Hradecky’s goalkeeping were pivotal in Leverkusen’s success. For Milan, the result leaves them needing a swift turnaround in their next fixtures.
FAQs
Who scored the only goal of the match in the UCL 2024-25 Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan?
Victor Boniface scored the match-winning goal for Bayer Leverkusen in the 51st minute.
How did Mike Maignan perform for AC Milan in the UCL 2024-25 Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan?
Maignan was excellent, making 8 saves and keeping Milan in the game despite heavy pressure from Leverkusen.
What was the impact of this result on the group standings in the UCL 2024-25 Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan?
Bayer Leverkusen moved to the top of the group with six points, while AC Milan are still without a point after two matches, complicating their chances of progressing.
