Chaotic 2-2 outcome marked by Hjulmand's return departure
Bayer Leverkusen kicked off their UEFA Champions League campaign with a 2-2 draw against FC Copenhagen in a pulsating encounter. Captain Robert Andrich and Ezequiel Fernández struggled in midfield, leading to a shaky performance from the German side.
In the first half, Youssoufa Moukoko had a chance to score the 2-0 for Bayer Leverkusen just before halftime, but Mark Flekken, the Leverkusen goalkeeper, made a save to keep the score level.
FC Copenhagen took the lead early in the second half, with Jordan Larsson and Robert Silva scoring for the Danish side, giving them a two-goal advantage. Alejandro Grimaldo responded with a fantastic free-kick goal for Leverkusen in the 82nd minute, setting the stage for an exciting finish.
Despite the struggles, Leverkusen managed to rally late and push for an equalizer, which they eventually got from a set piece in the 90.+2 minute, courtesy of an own goal by Pantelis Hatzidiakos.
The final phase of the match saw both teams score again, resulting in a bizarre ending to the game. Mark Flekken, who had been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the point, expressed his frustration after the match. Captain Andrich admitted that Leverkusen wanted to leave with three points but didn't manage it, leaving with mixed feelings.
Bayer Leverkusen's new head coach, Kasper Hjulmand, returned to the UEFA Champions League after a 13-year absence. However, his start in the competition was anything but smooth, as he was left wanting after the match. Hjulmand became more active on the sidelines around the 20th minute, trying to give his team some structure and order, particularly in defensive midfield.
Simon Rolfes, the sporting director of Bayer Leverkusen, had admitted before the game that the massive turnover in the summer would take time to reach its maximum potential. The football coach who replaced Leverkusen in the summer of 2021 was Erik ten Hag, but he was subsequently replaced by Hjulmand after a short tenure.
Christian Eriksen, current Wolfsburg player, suffered a cardiac arrest four years ago at the same stadium during the Euros. The incident cast a shadow over the match, but the players and coaches remained focused on the task at hand.
Grimaldo's free-kick goal was reminiscent of his effort in the 3-1 win over Frankfurt in the league. With the draw, Leverkusen find themselves in a tough position in Group D, where they will face Atlético Madrid, Club Brugge, and Porto in the upcoming matches.
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