Bayer Leverkusen came from behind to defeat Freiburg 2-1 at the BayArena, extending their winning run to three Bundesliga matches and lifting them into the top four.
Victor Boniface remained an unused substitute, while fellow Nigeria international Nathan Tella came on in the 59th minute. The appearance was Tella’s second in the league this season, with Boniface having featured in only one Bundesliga match.
Freiburg arrived unbeaten and took the lead after 14 minutes. Derry Scherhant finished a move set up by Niklas Beste and Philipp Treu to put the visitors ahead.
Leverkusen responded five minutes later. Ibrahim Maza brought the hosts level in the 19th minute after Moussa Diaby and Patrik Schick combined to create the opportunity.
The match remained closely contested after the interval, with neither side able to find a breakthrough until Leverkusen restored their lead in the 76th minute.
Maza produced an outstanding solo run near the corner line before setting up Schick, who tapped the ball into the net to complete the turnaround.
The goal also saw Schick make Bundesliga history by becoming the first Leverkusen player to score in each of the opening six matches of a season.
The victory gives Leverkusen 13 points from their first five league fixtures, a record of four wins and one draw. They are level on points with Freiburg but sit above them on goal difference, while leaders Bayern Munich are one point ahead.
Freiburg’s first defeat of the campaign ended their unbeaten start, while Leverkusen’s run of three consecutive league victories has moved them into the division’s top four.