Despite double red: Leverkusen wins in Hjulmand's coaching debut

Leverkusen. With a furious effort, the Bayer Leverkusen players gave their new coach Kasper Hjulmand a dream debut against Eintracht Frankfurt. The Rhinelanders, who were outnumbered for much of the match, defeated the Hesse side, who had previously had a perfect start to the season, 3-1 (2-0) in a thrilling match.

It was Bayer 04's first win on the third matchday of the Bundesliga season. The runners-up had parted ways with coach Erik ten Hag after just two months in charge. Under his successor, Hjulmand, the team, which had undergone a massive transformation, immediately appeared more stable, more determined, and showed tremendous resilience.

Frankfurt, who had won their first three competitive matches, were surprisingly inoffensive for a long time this time. They also made some unusual defensive errors.

In front of 30,210 spectators at the BayArena, Alejandro Grimaldo (10th minute and 90th minute +8) and Patrik Schick (45th minute +4/penalty) scored for Leverkusen. Can Uzun only managed to pull one back for Frankfurt in the 52nd minute. Because Bayer captain Robert Andrich received a second yellow card in the 59th minute, Eintracht Frankfurt played with a man extra for more than half an hour. Ezequiel Fernández also received a second yellow card in the second minute of long stoppage time, leaving Bayer down to nine players at the end.

Less than 55 hours after Hjulmand's first training session with his new team, the Werkself began cautiously. Frankfurt actually got off to a better start in front of national coach Julian Nagelsmann.

However, a good solo effort by Leverkusen's Nathan Tella, a foul, and a free kick gave Bayer an early lead. Grimaldo lifted the ball over the wall, hit the post, and bounced off the body of Eintracht goalkeeper Michael Zetterer into the net.

Even after falling behind, the Hesse side, who were without Hugo Larsson at short notice due to illness and had to substitute Rasmus Kristensen early on due to an injury, had more possession than the hosts. However, Leverkusen's quick transitions created the better chances. The eye-catching Tella, Jarell Quansah, and Schick missed the chance to extend their lead despite having good opportunities.

At the other end, Eintracht Frankfurt repeatedly came close to the penalty area, but rarely threatened. Ritsu Doan, who had been so impressive recently, and center forward Jonathan Burkardt were barely able to show their attacking prowess on the pitch.

Tella was completely different. In stoppage time of the first half, Leverkusen's best player, Robin Koch, was first let down in the penalty area and then fouled by the Frankfurt international. Schick remained cool from the penalty spot.

But the match was far from decided. After a corner, Leverkusen couldn't break free, and Uzun scored to level the scores. When Andrich was sent off with a second yellow card, it was clear that the 2024 champions were in for an extremely stressful half hour.

Frankfurt applied pressure, but coach Dino Toppmöller's team didn't create many clear-cut chances. Nnamdi Collins' long-range shot hit the crossbar (61'). Otherwise, Bayer defended their narrow lead well in a fiercely competitive final phase. Even with two players down, they were able to celebrate again – thanks to another Grimaldo free-kick.

RND/dpa