The Champions League group stage commenced with a lively 2-2 draw between FC Copenhagen and Bayer Leverkusen at Parken Stadium. In a compelling match, Leverkusen secured a valuable point away from home, although Copenhagen largely dictated play.
From the outset, the Danish side established control, adopting a structured 4-4-2 formation and demonstrating discipline in both defense and transition. Copenhagen deservedly took the lead in the 9th minute. A precise long ball from Thomas Delaney found Achouri on the left, whose cross into the box was met by Jordan Larsson, who expertly volleyed the ball into the net from nine meters.
Bayer Leverkusen struggled to penetrate Copenhagen’s compact defense, experiencing several unforced errors in build-up play. Their best opportunity of the half came late on, with Álex Grimaldo narrowly missing the target from 15 meters. The first half concluded with a 1-0 advantage for the home side.
Copenhagen maintained their attacking impetus after the interval, creating further chances to extend their lead, but were repeatedly thwarted by impressive saves from Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Mark Flekken.
Leverkusen struck back in the 82nd minute following a foul on Schick, earning a free-kick in a promising position. Álex Grimaldo stepped up and delivered a spectacular curler from 20 meters, finding the top corner to equalize.
The visitors’ joy proved fleeting. Just five minutes later, Robert headed home following a neat cross from Huescas, restoring Copenhagen’s lead. It appeared Bayer Leverkusen was destined for another away defeat in the Champions League.
However, Leverkusen rescued a point in added time. Substitute Claudio Echeverri powerfully navigated past several defenders on the left wing before delivering a dangerous cross into the box, which was inadvertently deflected into the net by Copenhagen’s Pantelis Hatzidiakos, leveling the score at 2-2 (90+1).
While the result may be considered a positive one for Bayer Leverkusen, FC Copenhagen demonstrably controlled much of the contest, showing resilience in defense and posing a constant threat on the counter-attack. Despite a spirited performance, the Bundesliga side was indebted to the set-piece prowess of Grimaldo and a moment of individual brilliance from Echeverri to secure a point in their opening Champions League fixture.
