A dramatic late own goal ensured Bayer Leverkusen began their UEFA Champions League League Phase campaign with a 2-2 draw away to FC Copenhagen in a thrilling encounter that saw Die Werkself rescued from defeat in the final moments.
The home side, who had battled through three qualifying rounds to reach the main draw, were ecstatic to open the scoring in just the ninth minute. A sharp cutback from Elias Achouri found the onrushing Jordan Larsson, who fired past Leverkusen goalkeeper Mark Flekken from close range to give the Lions an early advantage.
The goal marked a rare feeling for Copenhagen, who had scored only 34 times in their previous 40 Champions League games. However, their lead held firm as the visitors struggled to find a rhythm. Alejandro Grimaldo went close with a free-kick that just cleared the crossbar, but Leverkusen’s attack lacked a cutting edge. They were nearly punished further just before halftime when Lukas Lerager’s pass found Youssoufa Moukoko, whose point-blank shot was impressively saved by Flekken.
The second half began with a subdued pace, a low-quality affair that frustrated both sets of fans. Leverkusen, led by new boss Kasper Hjulmand in his first main draw game since 2012/13, failed to come out with the expected intensity. Ben Seghir did manage an effort that struck the post, but the Germans largely struggled to create clear-cut chances, and it appeared a routine home win was on the cards.
However, the final 10 minutes brought a frenzy of action. Grimaldo, who had been a bright spot for his side, stepped up to a free-kick from 25 yards and curled a magnificent shot into the top corner to level the score. The equalizer was short-lived, as the Lions responded almost immediately. A cross found Robert Silva, who headed home to restore Copenhagen’s lead, sending the home crowd into a state of euphoria.
With victory in sight, a cruel twist of fate denied Copenhagen the win. As the game entered stoppage time, a ball from Leverkusen’s Claudio Echeverri deflected off the head of Copenhagen defender Pantelis Hatzidiakos and found the back of the net, leaving the home side heartbroken.
The Danes’ frustrating record against German opposition continues, having now won just one of their last 15 major European matches against them. For Leverkusen, it was a vital point salvaged from a difficult match, a result that could prove crucial as they navigate their way through the Champions League League Phase.
