Chaotic 2-2 Draw in Match Following Hjulmand's departure
In a dramatic Champions League opener, Bayer Leverkusen and FC Copenhagen fought to a 2-2 draw. Kasper Hjulmand, the new head coach of Leverkusen, found himself in a challenging situation as he attempted to impose structure and order on his team, particularly in defensive midfield, around the 20th minute.
The Danish side struggled against their opponents, offering little more than effort and determination from the Danes. Leverkusen, however, refused to be overwhelmed and managed to rally, pushing for an equalizer.
The first goal of the match went to FC Copenhagen, scored by Jordan Larsson in the 9th minute. Alejandro Grimaldo extended their lead with a fantastic free-kick goal in the 82nd minute, and Robert Silva scored a second for the Danish team in the 86th minute.
Just before halftime, Youssoufa Moukoko almost scored the 2:0 for Leverkusen, but was denied by goalkeeper Mark Flekken. Hjulmand, who returned to the Champions League as a coach after a 13-year absence, was left wanting after the disappointing performance.
In the second half, Aleix Garcia partnered Andrich in defensive midfield for Fernández. Andrich, in particular, struggled, losing many balls. Leverkusen's persistence paid off when Pantelis Hatzidiakos scored an own goal for the home team in the 90.+2 minute, equalizing the score.
Both teams continued to push for a winner, but the final phase of the game was bizarre, with both sides scoring again. Grimaldo scored his second free-kick goal of the season, setting off this frantic finale.
Simon Rolfes, former coach of Leverkusen, acknowledged the massive turnover in the team before the game, admitting that a new title-winning team won't reach its maximum this season. Hjulmand, who had hoped for a triumphant return to the scene of his past successes as Danish national team coach, will be looking to guide his team to better performances in the upcoming matches.
Mark Flekken, goalkeeper of Bayer Leverkusen, expressed dissatisfaction with the point earned, as the team's current form bears little resemblance to the formidable side that won the double last year. None of the persons involved in the hiring of Hjulmand as Leverkusen's new coach have previously played for the club; Hjulmand himself did not play for Leverkusen but spent his playing career in Danish lower leagues and other teams, never at Leverkusen.
Hjulmand had also witnessed the tragic events of four years ago at the European Championship, when Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest. The coach will be hoping that his new role at Leverkusen will provide a fresh opportunity to create a successful team and move past these past challenges.
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