Farewell Snub - Boniface left at home as Alonso ends Leverkusen era with yellow card & record draw

Bayer Leverkusen’s final match under Xabi Alonso ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw against Mainz, marking a bittersweet farewell for both the outgoing coach and long-serving defender Jonathan Tah. 

However, the day was overshadowed by the continued absence of Nigeria’s Victor Boniface, who was deemed surplus to requirements, missing out on both the starting lineup and the matchday squad.

Boniface, a Super Eagles star, has not started for Leverkusen since April 5 against FC Heidenheim and last featured on April 20 against St. Pauli. 

In stark contrast, his compatriot Nathan Tella earned a spot in Alonso’s final starting eleven, highlighting the divergent paths of the two Nigerians at the club. 

Alonso, alongside Tah, who departs after a decade, leaves Leverkusen after a transformative era, with the club reflecting on their legacy despite failing to defend their Bundesliga crown.

Mainz dominated early, creating a flurry of chances. Jonathan Burkardt tested Leverkusen’s defense, while Paul Nebel dragged a shot wide from close range. 

Mainz thought they had taken the lead three times in the first half through Nadiem Amiri, Jae-sung Lee, and Andreas Hanche-Olsen, but each goal was disallowed, twice for offside and once for a foul on goalkeeper Lukáš Hrádecký. 

Their persistence paid off when Nebel’s deflected strike, set up by Amiri, finally gave Mainz a deserved 1-0 lead at the break.

Leverkusen’s response came swiftly after halftime. Patrik Schick won and converted a penalty just two minutes into the second half to level the score at 1-1. 

Moments later, Schick headed home from Aleix García’s cross to put Leverkusen 2-1 up, threatening to undo Mainz’s first-half dominance.

 However, Mainz fought back, earning a penalty when Lee was fouled. Burkardt’s powerful spot-kick beat Hrádecký to restore parity at 2-2.

The match wasn’t without controversy. Alonso, in his final act as Leverkusen boss, picked up a yellow card for dissent after Arthur’s booking for a foul on Lee. 

Tah, also in his last game, joined his manager in the referee’s book with a yellow card of his own. Mainz nearly snatched victory in stoppage time when Stefan Bell fired home, but the goal was disallowed for handball after a VAR review—the fourth Mainz goal chalked off in the match.

Despite the draw, Mainz celebrated at full-time, securing a UEFA Conference League spot for next season after Stuttgart’s 3-2 win over Leipzig confirmed their European qualification. 

Leverkusen, meanwhile, extended their unbeaten away record at Mainz to 34 games, a fitting footnote to Alonso’s remarkable tenure.

As Leverkusen bid farewell to two club legends, Boniface’s absence raised questions about his future, while Mainz’s electric performance signaled their intent on the European stage. For Alonso and Tah, it was a farewell tinged with pride, bookings, and an enduring legacy.