Nigerian forward Nathan Tella scored Bayer Leverkusen’s first goal in pre-season to help Xabi Alonso’s men to a hard-fought win.
Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen began their pre-season preparations with a 2-1 victory over Rot-Weiss Essen, featuring Nigerian players Nathan Tella and Victor Boniface.
In front of 10,000 spectators, Tella, formerly of Southampton, was the standout performer. He opened the scoring for Leverkusen in the 44th minute. Patrik Schick, who replaced Boniface in the second half, added a second goal in the 71st minute, assisted by new signing Aleix Garcia.
Leonardo Vonic scored a late goal for Essen, but it was not enough to overturn Leverkusen’s lead.
Tella and Boniface, who both played for over an hour, were substituted as Leverkusen maintained their dominant form. The match saw 2,000 of the fans supporting Leverkusen, who had traveled to see their team.
Boniface nearly set up the opener with a key pass, while Tella continued to impress with another chance that narrowly missed. Schick’s goal from Garcia’s cross sealed the win, with Vonic’s late goal for Essen providing only a consolation.
Leverkusen will next head to the Black Forest for a training camp and a friendly against RC Lens on August 3rd. Both Tella and Boniface will be looking to secure their places in the starting lineup as the new season approaches.
