Chaotic 2-2 Draw Marks Disappointing Comeback for Hjulmand
In a challenging encounter, Bayer Leverkusen drew 2-2 against FC Copenhagen in their Champions League opener. Kasper Hjulmand, the new head coach of the German team, experienced a disappointing start in his comeback as a coach after 13 years.
The first half was a tight affair, with few goalscoring opportunities for either side. Youssoufa Moukoko had a chance to score the 2-0 for FC Copenhagen just before halftime, but was denied by Mark Flekken, the Leverkusen goalkeeper.
The second half saw Leverkusen improve, but still found it challenging against the Danish side. Aleix Garcia was brought in to replace Ezequiel Fernández in the double-six, but the team struggled to gain momentum.
The turning point came in the 82nd minute, when Alejandro Grimaldo scored a free-kick to equalise for Leverkusen, reminiscent of their win against Frankfurt in the league. However, FC Copenhagen responded quickly, with former Schalke pro Jordan Larsson scoring in the 9th minute and Robert Silva in the 86th, putting the Danish side back in the lead.
In the bizarre final phase of the match, Pantelis Hatzidiakos scored an own goal for Leverkusen, resulting in a 2-2 draw. Captain Robert Andrich admitted that they wanted to leave with a win but didn't, leaving them with mixed feelings.
Simon Rolfes, the sports director, acknowledged that the massive turnover in the summer team might cause some initial issues. The current Leverkusen team has little resemblance to the formidable side that won the double last year.
Despite the disappointing result, Hjulmand had reportedly focused on football rather than dwelling on the traumatic 2021 experience at the 'Parken' stadium, where four years ago, current Wolfsburg player Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest.
Rolfes stated that the team aims to build a new title-winning team, but it won't reach its maximum this season. Robert Andrich also stated that there is still a lot of work ahead for Bayer Leverkusen.
In a bid to reinforce their defense-midfield position, Leverkusen signed the Argentine midfielder Ezequiel Fernández from Al-Qadsiah FC after Robert Andrich and Ezequiel Fernández were suspended. Fernández is noted for his ball security, strong tackling, and aggressive playing style, signing until June 2030.
The draw was not considered satisfactory by goalkeeper Mark Flekken and captain Robert Andrich, who will be looking to improve in their next Champions League match.
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