Bayer is king of injury time goals again

Bayer Leverkusen changed two coaches since May, they lost almost all starters from the Bundesliga winning team, but that ‘never die’ mentality just saved them from an unpleasant defeat from Copenhagen in their first Champions League game of the season. After losing 1-0 from the 9th minute, excellent Grimaldo scored a screamer from the free kick in the 82nd minute, before Hatzidiakos’s own goal gave the Germans a 2-2 draw in injury time. Copenhagen took another lead in the 86th minute but that wasn’t enough. New Leverkusen boss Kasper Hjulmand still has work ahead of him. His team looked nothing like the one from last weekend that outplayed Eintracht at the BayArena. For over an hour in Copenhagen, the Aspirins were on the back foot before they managed to impose themselves on the pitch, which brought them their first equalizer, but they couldn’t keep control of the ball. Still, they had the strength to bounce back in the final minutes and secure a result that, after everything seen, suited them much better.

On the other side, Jacob Neestrup’s team showed that it can play at a high tempo—even against an opponent that plays that way every weekend. That was nearly enough to achieve a big result in the opening match of the elite competition, though even tonight’s outcome can be considered an accomplishment. In the first half, Copenhagen constantly troubled Leverkusen with quick attacks and could have scored more than one goal. Although Hjulmand’s side gradually settled into the game, real clear-cut chances were lacking. After a second half played “wide open,” with many chances on both sides, Bayer Leverkusen managed to secure a positive result in their Champions League opener.

Footballing Europe thoroughly enjoyed Club Brugge’s performances in last season’s Champions League. At times, the Belgian giant shattered the hegemony of Europe’s top leagues and even threatened to become a “dark horse” of the elite competition. They were knocked out in the round of 16 by Aston Villa, but judging by their clash with Monaco, Nicky Hayen’s team looks ready to take a step further. It wasn’t just that Monaco failed to win in Bruges. They were humiliated – 4:1. The French side, built on athleticism and physical strength, couldn’t cope with Brugge’s tempo.The match in Bruges turned into a one-way street, though things might have been different. Still, it’s doubtful whether there would have been much drama even if Monaco had scored early in the game.

That moment came when Mignolet fouled young Dane Mika Biereth, only to save his penalty moments later. Much revolved around Mignolet in the opening phase. Soon after, however, the former Liverpool goalkeeper had to leave the field, making way for Jackers. The substitute keeper didn’t have to do much, though. Brugge took the ball and began bombarding Monaco’s goal from all angles. Every time the ball crossed into Monaco’s half, it spelled danger for the French side. Vanaken orchestrated play brilliantly, moving effortlessly and always keeping distance from opponents, distributing passes with ease. Monaco coach Hutter had to react, tightening his defense with Kehrer and Koulibaly. The French club showed a bit more life in the second half, but not enough to save face. Brugge are simply too potent and talented, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they reached the quarterfinals. Diakono added the finishing touch with a fine goal, while Monaco’s consolation came in stoppage time—far too late to change the impression.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 1

Thursday

Club Brugge - Monaco 4-0 (3-0)

/Tresoldi 32, Onyedika 39, Vanaken 42, Diakhon 75/

Copenhagen - Leverkusen 2-2 (1-0)

/Larsson 9, Robert 86 - Grimaldo 82, Hatzidiakos 90+1 (og)/

22.00: (2.10) Eintr.Frankfurt (3.50) Galatasaray (3.40)

22.00: (1.70) Man.City (3.60) Napoli (5.30)

22.00: (3.15) Newcastle (3.50) Barcelona (2.20)

22.00: (1.08) Sporting (12.0) Kairat Almaty (25.0)

***odds are subject to change***