Continent-altering 2:2 result after Hjulmand departs turbulently
Kasper Hjulmand, the new head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, faced a challenging start to his Champions League comeback as a coach after a 13-year absence. The German team drew 2-2 against FC Copenhagen in their opening match of the competition.
Captain Robert Andrich admitted that Bayer Leverkusen aimed to leave with three points but couldn't manage it, leaving with mixed feelings. The current team, different from the formidable side that won the double last year, struggled against FC Copenhagen, who had little more to offer than effort and will.
Andrich and fellow player Ezequiel Fernández had difficulties during the game, with the captain also struggling with ball losses. Edmond Tapsoba's mistake allowed Jordan Larsson, son of former Swedish national striker Henrik Larsson, to score the first goal for FC Copenhagen in the 9th minute.
Robert Silva scored the second goal for FC Copenhagen in the 86th minute, but Leverkusen managed to rally and push for the equalizer. Pantelis Hatzidiakos scored an own goal for Bayer Leverkusen in the 90.+2 minute, equalizing the score.
Aleix Garcia was brought in to improve Leverkusen's play after the break, but it took time for them to improve. Simon Rolfes, the sporting director of Bayer Leverkusen and a former player of the club with 377 competitive appearances, acknowledged the team's struggles due to the massive turnover in the summer.
Mark Flekken, Bayer Leverkusen's goalkeeper, made an excellent save to prevent Moukoko's goal just before halftime due to a turnover by Bayer Leverkusen. Youssoufa Moukoko nearly scored the 2-0 for FC Copenhagen just before halftime, but Flekken's intervention kept the score level.
Alejandro Grimaldo scored a fantastic free-kick goal for FC Copenhagen in the 82nd minute, setting off a bizarre final phase where both teams scored again. Grimaldo's goal was reminiscent of his goal in their 3-1 win against Frankfurt in the league. Flekken expressed dissatisfaction with the point earned, as the draw was not satisfying for Bayer Leverkusen due to large stretches of disappointing play.
Despite the challenging start, Hjulmand and his team will look to build on this result and improve in their upcoming Champions League matches.
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