Bayer Leverkusen once again displayed their penchant for late goals as they secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach in the opening game of the Bundesliga season. The defending champions needed a goal in the 11th minute of injury time to seal the win, after squandering a two-goal lead earlier in the match. This victory marked their 12th game-tying or go-ahead goal in second-half stoppage time since the start of last season, showcasing their resilience and never-say-die attitude.
Manager Xabi Alonso credited Bayer Leverkusen’s habit of scoring late goals to the team’s mentality. He emphasized that it was not something that could be trained or influenced, but rather a reflection of the collective mindset of the players. This unwavering belief and commitment to fighting until the final whistle has become part of the team’s DNA, as stated by midfielder Granit Xhaka. Despite the ups and downs of the game, Leverkusen’s quality and never-give-up attitude prevailed, earning them three valuable points in the end.
Granit Xhaka opened the scoring with a spectacular 25-yard strike early in the game, followed by a goal from Florian Wirtz to put Leverkusen 2-0 ahead. However, defensive lapses allowed Borussia Monchengladbach to mount a comeback, with Nico Elvedi and Tim Kleindienst scoring to level the match at 2-2. Bayer Leverkusen hit the woodwork twice and had to rely on a late penalty to secure the victory, showcasing both their attacking prowess and vulnerability at the back.
Despite the thrilling win, Xabi Alonso highlighted the need for improvement as Bayer Leverkusen aims to defend their title this season. He emphasized the importance of maintaining compactness and aggressiveness throughout the game, pointing out instances where the team was passive and vulnerable defensively. As they look to extend their unbeaten run in the league, Leverkusen will need to address these areas to remain competitive against top opposition.
The match was not without its share of drama, with play briefly halted in the second half due to fans lighting flares in the stands. The field was covered in smoke, adding to the intensity and emotion of the game. Despite the distractions, Bayer Leverkusen stayed focused and managed to secure a hard-fought victory, showcasing their ability to overcome obstacles on and off the pitch.
Bayer Leverkusen’s trend of scoring late goals reflects their never-say-die mentality and fighting spirit. While the victory over Borussia Monchengladbach was a thrilling start to the season, the team must address defensive vulnerabilities and maintain consistency to achieve their goals. With Xabi Alonso at the helm and a talented squad at their disposal, Bayer Leverkusen remains a formidable force in the Bundesliga, capable of mounting successful title defenses and challenging for top honors.