Victor Boniface, Tella and Leverkusen accused of using juju again after another Alonso late magic
Xabi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen's incredible Europa League semifinal comeback against Roma has led to accusations that the club, including Nigerians Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella, are benefitting from supernatural 'juju' forces this season.
Alonso's side looked destined for elimination when trailing 2-0 at home to the Italians, only to produce another late, late show to progress 4-2 on aggregate on Thursday.
Boniface, Tella and Leverkusen face juju talk
A Gianluca Mancini own goal and stoppage-time Josip Stanisic strike saw Leverkusen dramatically overturn the deficit on the night to book their place in the Dublin final.
It continues an uncanny run of witnessing Boniface, Tella and their teammates escape seemingly inevitable defeat with late drama time and time again this campaign.
Such has been the regularity of these heart-stopping moments that sections of fans are now suggesting the unbeaten German side must be employing underhand 'juju' tactics.
One fan tweeted: "Papa Perez shared his jazzman with Alonso. The juju is generational. Wtf."
Another posted bluntly: "Walahi Bayer Leverkusen dey use juju nothing you wan tell me."
The bizarre conspiracy theories escalated, with one observer insisting: "How you'll know it's juju is, it's randoms that are always scoring, not even just their top players, one random player no one knows, will just turn up and turn to prime Messi to save Leverkusen."
Sláinte! 🇮🇪🏆
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) May 9, 2024
WE'RE GOING TO DUBLIN BABY! 🖤❤️#B04ASR | #Bayer04 #UEL #aCROSSeurope @EuropaLeague pic.twitter.com/nT0G55aBNw
While the supernatural claims seem far-fetched, Leverkusen's ability to consistently conjure crucial late goals from unlikely sources like Stanisic and Patrik Schick certainly adds fuel to the fire of suspicion.
Boniface and strike partner Schick have understandably shouldered much of the scoring burden, but defensive players have also chipped in at vital moments.
Whether 'juju' or just immense determination, mental fortitude and winning mentality, Leverkusen are developing a trademark that is worthy of emulating.
Alonso will likely shrug off the 'juju' murmurings as his side gear up for a Europa League final showdown against Serie A’s Atalanta in Dublin.
LET'S GOOOOOOOOO! ⚫️🔴🏆#B04ASR | #Bayer04 #UEL #aCROSSeurope @NathanTella_11 pic.twitter.com/6LbhhT66eT
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) May 10, 2024
But for the Nigerian duo of Boniface and Tella, achieving European glory would cap a truly magical campaign regardless of what forces may or may not be at work.
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