Bayer Leverkusen Secures Victory in Dramatic Fashion
Regardless of the outcome, Bayer Leverkusen consistently secures the decisive goals past the 90th minute, even during the beginning of the new Bundesliga season. This time, there was an element of fortune involved, and one Gladbach player was particularly displeased.
In the 102nd minute of the initial game of the new Bundesliga season, Florian Wirtz dribbled towards the goal from eleven meters, kicked powerfully, and with great precision. His shot went into the left corner (viewed from the shooter's position), but so did Gladbach's goalkeeper, Jonas Omlin. For a moment, it seemed like Borussia, battling fiercely, would actually snatch points from the reigning German champions Bayer 04 Leverkusen. But then the ball struck Omlin's hand, deflecting back into the center, where Wirtz waited to score the 3:2 (2:0). The thrilling final minutes of Bayer. Once again. The game couldn't have ended more dramatically.
Throughout the previous season, which included a defeat in the Europa League final against Atalanta Bergamo, Leverkusen had made the late goal a nearly unbelievable specialized trait. Even during the off-season, under the leadership of coach Xabi Alonso, the Bayer team appeared to have honed this skill even further. Already in the Supercup against VfB Stuttgart, Bayer scored late - in the next-to-last minute. Yet, compared to the events of this Friday evening, the goal in the ridiculed and chaotic "Kirmescup" was almost an early attempt. Nevertheless, there were no disputes about the length of the added time in Borussia Park. The Borussia fans had filled the field with a pyrotechnic tribute to the old Bökelberg after the break. There was also an extended VAR review before Borussia's 1:2.
Granit Xhaka shows his worth
The Mönchengladbach evening was tumultuous, passionate. If this is a sign of things to come, the new season will be intense, thrilling, extraordinary, dramatic. All of this was present in this inaugural game. Leverkusen started as champions should. Granit Xhaka, who had been active at Borussia for four years himself, struck the ball into the net with such brutal force after twelve minutes that even goalkeeper Omlin was startled. Leverkusen had everything under control, squandered chances. Edmond Tapsoba, for example, let loose, but only at the aluminum. Borussia tried to regain control of the game. However, just as Borussia was finding its footing, it was 0:2. Wirtz was the scorer again.
Prior to half-time, Gladbach struck back. New signing Tim Kleindienst scored (42.), but after carefully reviewing the video footage, the goal was not counted. Kleindienst had made contact with opponent Piero Hincapie in the challenge beforehand. After halftime, Leverkusen once again dominated, and could've ended the game early if Frimpong had capitalized on an excellent opportunity or played Boniface in. But he didn't. And so, the host team struck back. With a powerful free kick, Kevin Stöger sent the ball into the penalty area. Via Ko Itakura, it ended up with Nico Elvedi, who scored in the second attempt. The goal was reviewed for a long time. A potential offside was suspected, but it was not confirmed.
Leverkusen remains the last-minute hero
Again, Leverkusen. The Alonso team switched gears, pressured Gladbach in the penalty area, and applied immense pressure. But Borussia, full of fight and sensational spirit, brushed everything aside. Much of it skillfully, some of it luckily. Yet, Leverkusen created few dangerous situations and conceded the equalizer. Stöger made a brilliant pass to Kleindienst, who made a strong move in tight space and scored. Another review. Another potential offside was suspected. However, this one was also called off (85.). The stands were heated. The surprise (a draw) was within reach, the sensation (a win against Leverkusen, who hadn't lost a game domestically in 41 matches) seemed possible.
But Leverkusen is Leverkusen. The team from Bayer is last-minute magic. Last season, they scored eight times after the 90th minute in the Bundesliga, six of which were decisive. They managed this feat five times in the Europa League. "Of course, it's lucky for us," said Bayer midfielder Xhaka. "Somehow, the opponents always get nervous because they know we often score late. But we can't always rely on that." This time, it required more than just Bayer's strength; it needed fortune or the VAR. The referee recognized a foul by Itakura on substitute Amine Adli. After review, the contact that justified the decisive penalty was found. Wirtz stepped up, missed, but scored.
"I just wanted to end the game," said the match winner. "I know it's lucky in the end, but I'm not complaining. We're happy we won in the end. We know what our goal is - everyone wants to win games and play good football."
Leverkusen was left in shock and jubilation, while Gladbach was seething with anger. "They scrutinized everything – everything against us, but not a single instance for us," grumbled the irate sporting director Roland Virkus. The final decision was what set him off the most. Despite watching the TV footage, it remained unclear whether Itakura had only struck the opponent or also the ball. "In my opinion, it wasn't a clear error, he didn't need to be sent off," Virkus commented on the incident. "Yes, he did strike the foot afterwards, but he clearly played the ball first." Referee Robert Schröder, however, held a different view and defended his decision. "I understand Gladbach's frustration after losing such a late and aggravating game. But he didn't hit the ball, so it's a penalty," Schröder explained on Sat.1.
Kleindienst was the most aggravated: "It's frustrating how every 50:50 situation is reviewed, and every goal is examined in minute detail. It felt like they didn't want us to gain anything today," said the new recruit on DAZN.
In the continuing match against Borussia Mönchengladbach, Leverkusen once again demonstrated their prowess in scoring late goals. The team, led by Xabi Alonso, had honed their skill during the off-season, even managing to score a late goal in the Supercup against VfB Stuttgart.
Despite Borussia's best efforts, including a strong second half, Leverkusen's soccer expertise and a bit of fortune helped them secure a crucial 3:2 victory, with Florian Wirtz scoring the decisive goal after a VAR review for a handball.
