Xabi Alonso responds after two Bayer Leverkusen stars clash on pitch in heated row

Bayer Leverkusen’s impressive victory came amid surprising scenes on the pitch as Victor Boniface and Emi Buendia clashed but head coach Xavi Alonso is not concerned by their actions

Xabi Alonso attempted to play down the confrontation between stars Victor Boniface and Emi Buendia following Bayer Leverkusen’s 4-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.

The German champions enjoyed a comfortable win thanks to goals from Nathan Tella, Nordi Mukiele, Patrik Schick and Aleix Garcia, while Hugo Ekitike scored the lone goal for Frankfurt. Leverkusen’s trip to Deutsche Bank Park did not come without drama however.

With the game all but won, the pair furiously engaged after getting in each other’s way as they looked to score the side’s fifth goal. Boniface pointed his finger and pushed Buendia, who had shook his head in the Nigerian’s direction.

It saw a fiery end to Die Werkself’s victory but head coach Alonso was keen to play down the incident. Following the game, the Spaniard attempted to draw a line under the clash and claimed it was a ‘small’ issue.

“I spoke with Boni,” Alonso said. “I don’t have all the details, but Boni wanted to shoot, it can happen. We don’t want to make something big out of something so small. We’re staying calm. On Monday we’ll keep going again.”

Leverkusen’s managing director of sport Simon Rolfes was happy with the passion displayed, but less so with the end result from Boniface. “We want a team that’s ‘alive’, but Boni doesn’t have to push him away,” he said.

Defender Jonathan Tah said: “These are emotions. Everyone wants to score.”

Midfielder Aleix Garcia added: “I saw it, but I didn’t know it was between Boniface and Emi. I don’t know what happened, but it’s football, it’s the heat of the game, so – it’s not important.”

Boniface has endured a difficult time at Leverkusen, despite averaging a goal every other game this season. After leading the side to the title last term, the 24-year-old lost his place to Schick, who has scored 22 goals in 32 games.

Leverkusen ace Boniface saw a transfer away from the club in January collapse. Al Nassr were said to have agreed a fee with the Bundesliga side but ultimately decided against continuing with the deal when they secured Jhon Duran from Aston Villa instead.

“Transfer rumors are normal in football. It’s always flattering when big clubs show interest, but my focus right now is 100% on Bayer Leverkusen,” Boniface told Sportsboom.com earlier this year.

“A lot of calculations have also happened here and there, but I love playing here, and I want to give my best to the team. What happens in the future will happen, but for now, my mind is only on helping Leverkusen achieve our goals.”

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