Bayer Leverkusen escaped with a 2-2 draw against FC Copenhagen in their opening UEFA Champions League (UCL) League Phase clash, extending their unbeaten run in this fixture to four games (W3, D1).
The Danish champions, back in the competition after a one-year absence, made a dream start in front of their home fans. With just nine minutes played, Elias Achouri drove down the flank and cut the ball back for Jordan Larsson, who calmly slotted past Mark Flekken. Considering Copenhagen had only netted 34 goals in their previous 40 UCL games, the opener was both rare and celebrated.
Softfootball predicted a very tight encounter in the game’s Preview, and Leverkusen pushed for a response, with Alejandro Grimaldo going close from a free-kick that whistled over the bar. The hosts almost doubled their lead just before half-time, but Youssoufa Moukoko’s close-range effort was brilliantly denied by Flekken.
Back in his homeland, new Leverkusen boss Kasper Hjulmand endured a frustrating night in his first UCL group-stage game since 2012/13. His side offered little threat after the break, with only Ben Seghir rattling the post midway through the second half.
The game seemed to be drifting toward a Copenhagen win until a frantic finale turned everything on its head. Grimaldo finally delivered with a stunning free-kick into the top corner to level the scores, but the hosts hit back immediately as Robert Silva’s header restored their lead. Just as the home fans began to celebrate a famous victory, heartbreak struck when Claudio Echeverri’s cross deflected in off Pantelis Chatzidiakos to make it 2-2.
Reacting after the game, Leverkusen Manager Kasper Hjulmand revealed that the team will have to take the result without complaint. Leverkusen quoted their manager via their official X account.
They Posted:
The result leaves Copenhagen with just one win in their last 15 European matches against German opposition, while Leverkusen will feel relieved to have escaped with a point that could prove vital later in the campaign.
