Borussia Monchengladbach 2-3 Bayer Leverkusen: Leverkusen kick start season with dramatic 3-2 victory over hosts

Florian Wirtz's last-minute goal secured a thrilling 3-2 victory for the reigning Bundesliga champions, Bayer Leverkusen, against Borussia Monchengladbach in their opening match of the 2024/25 season at Borussia-Park.

The previous weekend's exhilarating DFL-Supercup triumph over Stuttgart provided German football enthusiasts with a glimpse of how Leverkusen intends to build upon their remarkable unbeaten domestic double from the 2023/24 season. Die Werkself demonstrated their determination right from the outset of their Bundesliga campaign.

With just over ten minutes played, Jeremie Frimpong's cross was deflected directly into the path of Granit Xhaka, who unleashed a spectacular first-time shot from 30 yards, finding the top corner and not only initiating the scoring but also claiming the early lead for the Goal of the Season award.

The visitors maintained their momentum, striking the post twice shortly thereafter through Victor Boniface and Edmond Tapsoba. Nevertheless, Gladbach posed a constant threat, with debutants Kevin Stöger and Tim Kleindienst troubling the Leverkusen defense significantly.

Despite their efforts, the champions extended their lead with a goal from the reigning Bundesliga Player of the Season, Wirtz, who capitalized on a saved shot from Álex Grimaldo to score inside the near post. The hosts nearly equalized just before half-time when Kleindienst cleverly headed the ball in off the ground, but a foul earlier in the play resulted in a well-deserved goal being disallowed.

The second half experienced a delayed start due to diminished visibility on the field; however, the home supporters were soon rewarded with a response as the smoke from their pyrotechnics dissipated.

Stöger’s expertly taken free kick was redirected by Ko Itakura, allowing Nico Elvedi to convert on his second attempt past Lukas Hradecky. Aware of the potential for a tense conclusion, Leverkusen aimed to reestablish their two-goal lead, yet their inability to finish chances effectively proved costly in the end.

In his first start after transferring from Bochum, Stöger managed to find Kleindienst, who skillfully maneuvered past Tapsoba to score what initially seemed an improbable equalizer.

However, as they had frequently demonstrated last season, Xabi Alonso’s team produced late drama; Itakura's foul on Amine Adli resulted in a penalty awarded to the visitors in the 100th minute after a VAR review.

Wirtz's initial penalty attempt was saved, but the young talent was quick to follow up and secure the victory. Although this was a disappointing way for Gerardo Seoane’s team to commence the season, the Swiss manager will take satisfaction in how his squad rallied from a two-goal deficit.