A dramatic stoppage-time equaliser from Haris Tabakovic snatched a point for Borussia Monchengladbach and put a dent in Kasper Hjulmand’s honeymoon period at Bayer Leverkusen. The result extends the Werkself’s unbeaten run to three games under their new manager and prevents the visitors from slipping to a third straight defeat.
Gladbach, who recently followed Leverkusen in sacking a manager in the early stages of the season, opted to dismiss Gerardo Seoane following last weekend’s heavy 4-0 defeat to Werder Bremen. Tasked with overseeing the team on an interim basis, Eugen Polanski would have been relieved to see Moritz Nicolas react quickly to thwart Patrik Schick’s close-range header in the opening stages.
The visitors thought they had netted their first goal of the season when Jens Castrop lashed home a first-time strike, only for the celebrations to be spoiled by a VAR intervention for offside. Undeterred from his disallowed effort, Castrop neatly carved out an opening for Joe Scally to threaten in the closing stages of the first half, with Mark Flekken required to dive low to his left to ensure the two sides went into the break on level terms.
The game started cautiously after the restart, with clear-cut chances being few and far between until Leverkusen found the all-important breakthrough just before the 70th minute. Schick failed to make a meaningful connection with Ernest Poku’s cut-back, but Malik Tillman had no such problems as he calmly stroked home his second league goal of the season after a helpful deflection.
Despite seeing their goalkeeper tested, Leverkusen appeared to be cruising to a victory until Tabakovic netted a dramatic equaliser in the 92nd minute. The substitute rose highest to meet an inviting corner from Charles Herrmann and thumped his header beyond the helpless Flekken. Gladbach’s first goal of the season sparked scenes of jubilation among the away support and sealed a precious point, although they remain in the bottom three.
While Leverkusen will be disappointed with their inability to secure all three points, Gladbach can take heart from their spirited performance and ability to find the net once more.
