Chaotic draw in the second half as Denmark's manager Hjulmand exits amidst losses
In the opening match of the Champions League, Bayer Leverkusen faced a challenging performance against FC Copenhagen, ultimately ending in a draw.
The massive rebuild over the summer, led by sporting director Jan Naumann, seemed to have made the task more difficult for Leverkusen. Head coach Kasper Hjulmand, returning to the Champions League after a 13-year absence, admitted he had likely envisioned a different outcome.
The Danish coach, who had reportedly not dwelled much on the traumatic 2021 experience, instead focusing on football, saw his team struggle against the determined FC Copenhagen. Captain Robert Andrich, who had problems with ball retention throughout the match, lost many possessions.
FC Copenhagen took an early lead when Jordan Larsson scored in the 9th minute. Leverkusen responded with a goal by Robert Silva in the 86th minute, putting them in a 2-1 lead. However, the current Leverkusen team, which has little resemblance to the formidable side that won the double last year, struggled to hold onto their advantage.
In the second half, Leverkusen managed to rally and push for the equalizer. Aleix Garcia played in the double pivot alongside Andrich for Fernández in an attempt to turn the tide. The best moments for Leverkusen came when Alejandro Grimaldo scored a free-kick to equalize the match, similar to his goal in the 3-1 win against Frankfurt in the league. Pantelis Hatzidiakos also scored an own goal in the 90.+2 minute, securing the draw for FC Copenhagen.
Captain Robert Andrich admitted that Bayer Leverkusen left with mixed feelings after failing to secure a win. Goalkeeper Mark Flekken, who made a crucial save to deny Moukoko's goal attempt just before halftime, echoed these sentiments, stating that they cannot be satisfied with just a point.
Youssoufa Moukoko had a chance to score for FC Copenhagen just before halftime, but Flekken's save kept the score at 1-1. FC Copenhagen, who primarily offered effort and will, demonstrated a resilience that troubled Leverkusen throughout the match.
In the "Parken," Hjulmand had also witnessed tragic events four years ago, including Christian Eriksen's cardiac arrest during the Euros. Despite this, the new head coach will undoubtedly be looking to learn from this opening match and improve for future fixtures.
